Cootie

Cootie

Players	2-4
Setup time	< 5 minutes
Playing time	15-30 minutes
Chance	High (dice rolling)
Age range	3 and up
Skills	Counting, Matching

Cootie is a children's game for two to four players where the objective is to be the first to assemble a plastic bug-like creature called a "cootie" from various body parts. The game was invented by William Schaper in 1949 and has been a popular game for young children due to its simplicity and educational value.

Gameplay

The game consists of a set of plastic bug parts, including a body, head, antennae, eyes, a tongue, and six legs. Players take turns rolling a die to determine which part they can add to their cootie. The first player to complete their cootie wins the game.

Parts of the Cootie

• Body: The main part of the cootie, which players must obtain first.
• Head: Attached to the body, it is the second part to be added.
• Antennae: Two are required, and they are added after the head.
• Eyes: Two are required, added after the antennae.
• Tongue: Added after the eyes.
• Legs: Six are required, added last.

Rules

1. Players take turns rolling a die. 2. On a roll of 1, the player can add a body if they do not already have one. 3. On a roll of 2, the player can add a head if they have a body. 4. On a roll of 3, the player can add an antenna if they have a head. 5. On a roll of 4, the player can add an eye if they have a head. 6. On a roll of 5, the player can add a tongue if they have a head. 7. On a roll of 6, the player can add a leg if they have a body.

Educational Value

Cootie helps young children develop fine motor skills, counting, and matching abilities. The game also encourages turn-taking and patience.

History

Cootie was created by William Schaper in 1949 and was one of the first games produced by Schaper Toys. The game quickly became a classic and has been a staple in children's games for decades.

Related Pages

• Children's games
• Board games
• Educational games
• Schaper Toys