Make your own shark cootie catcher with a free printable template!
Cootie catchers are always a fun and creative activity.
Whether you’re looking for an easy paper craft or a special way to celebrate shark week, you’ll want to check out these free printable shark cootie catchers!
Shark Cootie Catcher Free Printable
What better way to combine education and entertainment than by creating a shark cootie catcher?!
Towards the bottom of this post, you’ll find 3 different shark cootie catcher templates that you can download for free.
One template is for a grey shark, one is for a blue shark, and the other is a blank shark cootie catcher template that you can color and decorate however you wish.
I’ll guide you step by step through the instructions on how to make a shark cootie catcher.
What Is a Shark Cootie Catcher?
If you’re not yet familiar with a shark cootie catcher, you’re in for a treat!
A shark cootie catcher, also sometimes known as a fortune teller, is a playful origami craft.
As you make specific folds to the included templates, a shark creation quickly begins to take form in your hands.
What Do You Need To Make A Shark Cootie Catcher?
One of my favorite things about making a shark cootie catcher is that it really doesn’t take a whole lot to complete this activity.
Here’s what you need to make a shark cootie catcher:
- Printable Templates: Download your free printable shark cootie catcher template at the bottom of this post.
There are 3 different shark cootie catcher pdf templates to choose from. Do one, two or all three! 🙂
- Scissors: You’ll need a pair of scissors to carefully cut out your shark cootie catcher.
- Markers or Crayons: If you choose to use the blank shark template you’ll want to have coloring supplies on hand. That way you can decorate your shark however you want!
Shark Cootie Catcher Instructions
Here are the step by step instructions for how to make a shark cootie catcher using the free printable PDF template:
Step 1: Download and Print Your Free Printable Shark Cootie Catcher Template
Start by downloading the shark cootie catcher templates that I’ve created and provided for you towards the bottom of this post.
Once you’ve downloaded your templates, you’ll need to print them.
Printing in color is always best, but if that’s not an option, go with the blank or grey shark template. You can then add your own decorations.
Step 2: Cut Out the Shark Cootie Catcher and Fins
Carefully cut along the outer edge of the square using your scissors. This will be the body and head of the shark cootie catcher. You will then need to cut along the edges of the shark fins.
Regardless of which shark cootie catcher template you choose to make, you will need to cut out the square and the fins.
Step 3: Folding Your Shark Cootie Catcher
Next is when the magic begins to happen, you’ll need to fold your Shark Cootie Catcher Template so that it transforms into a Shark Cootie Catcher or as some like to call it fortune teller.
Start by placing your square with the printed side face down.
1. Fold your paper in half, then unfold.
2. Fold your paper in half the other way, then unfold.
3. Take your shark cootie catcher square and place it upside down so that the printed part of the paper is facing down.
4. Fold each corner into the center with the printed side face down.
This will create a smaller square.
5. Flip your newly folded square over so that the open folds you just created are now on the backside.
6. Fold each corner into the center.
Take each corner of the square and fold it into the center again as you did in the previous step. This will create an even smaller square.
7. Fold your square in half horizontally.
Take the paper square fold it horizontally and crease it well, and then unfold.
8. Fold your square vertically.
Take the paper square fold it vertically and crease it well, and then unfold.
9. Lift each of the four flaps using your index finger.
As you lift the flaps, fold and press the corners into the center.
10. Attach the shark fins.
Using glue or tape attach a shark fin to each side of the shark.
Tip: Glue together the head of the shark and the shark’s body so that only the mouth of the shark opens. This can make it easier so that the mouth of the shark is the only thing that opens without having to focus on keeping the 2 top and bottom sections held together.
Using Your Shark Cootie Catcher
Get creative with using your shark cootie catcher! You can use your shark cootie catcher to read stories, as a puppet, set them out as decoration for a shark themed party, etc (there are lots of clever options!
Choose from making a blue, a grey, or a blank shark cootie catcher that you can color yourself…or make them all! 🙂
Free Printable Shark Cootie Catcher Templates
I’ve included all 3 shark cootie catcher templates in the free download towards the bottom of this post.
Blue Shark Cootie Catcher
Grey Shark Cootie Catcher
Blank Shark Cootie Catcher
Note: All free printables and downloads on The Clever Heart are for personal use only. They cannot be redistributed or sold.
Simply enter your info below to receive the Blue Shark Cootie Catcher template, the Grey Shark Cootie Catcher template, and the Blank Shark Cootie Catcher template.
Additional Cootie Catcher Templates
If you like this free printable shark cootie catcher, you’ll want to check out the following:
Fun & Free Cootie Catcher Printable (How To Make)
Final Thoughts On Free Printable Shark Cootie Catcher
Making cootie catchers is a fun activity for people of all ages. Whether you’re looking for an origami classroom activity or a creative way to celebrate shark week, these shark cootie catchers are a must.
Choose from a free printable blue, grey, or blank shark template, download, print, fold, glue, and use!
I hope that you enjoy your free printable shark cootie catcher!
As always, if you have any questions, let me know below in the comments. 🙂
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