Use the Story Fortuneteller to invent a terrific tale, on your own or together with a friend. The best part about it? You can consult it again and again and create something new every time.

Story Fortuneteller

What You’ll Need:

scissors
a table or other flat surface
crayons, markers, or colored pencils

What to Do:

1. You’ll notice that some of the spaces on the fortuneteller are empty. This is so you can add a few of your own ideas. In the square in the corner, draw a picture of a character—who your story will be about. In the two blank triangles, sketch a setting—where and when your story will take place. Finally, in the largest square, draw a picture that shows an event—how the story starts off. If you like, color in all the pictures.

2. Cut the square out along the solid lines and set it face down on the table. Fold it in half from top to bottom, then again from side to side (figure one). Unfold it.

3. Making sure the fortuneteller is still face down, take the tip of each corner and fold it toward the center of the square (figure two).

4. Flip the fortuneteller over. Just like you did before, fold the tip of each corner toward the center of the square (figure three).

5. Fold the fortuneteller in half, then slip the thumb and index finger of each hand underneath the flaps (figure four).

6. Choose one of the four characters on the flaps and give him or her a name. This will be the hero—or villain—of your story.

7. Pick a number between 2 and 10. Open and close the fortuneteller from top to bottom and side to side while counting to that number. Choose one of the four settings.

8. Pick another number between 2 and 10, and open and close the fortuneteller while counting to that number. Lift one of the flaps to discover the event that will set your story in motion.

Now you’re ready to invent a story! If you need help getting started, try thinking about the following questions:

*What is happening to the main character?
*Does he or she feel excited, happy, sad, angry, or confused about being in this situation?
*Is there something the character really wants? Is there anything getting in the way?
*Who are your character’s friends? Who are his or her enemies?

To read the story Sam came up with using the Story Fortuneteller, click here!