DONNA'S DAY: CREATIVE FAMILY FUN-
Choose a Chore and a Surprise
BYDONNAERICKSON

Here's a way for the kids to have fun while at the same giving them responsibility and teaching them new job skills at home. Make a giant-size cootie catcher chore game that will grab their attention and get them motivated to dig into a big job. It's a super-size version of the old-fashioned paper cootie catcher. Follow the steps to make your own, and then play the game to find out the job and reward of the day!

Start with a giant square sheet of paper made from plain packing paper, or use a recycled paper grocery bag. My super-size version begins with a square sheet that's 28 inches by 28 inches. Fold all four corners to the center point of the square. Carefully flip it over so that the folded sides are facedown on the table. On this new side, fold the four corners to the center point again. Print a family chore in each of the four newly formed triangles, such as "Clean the Garage," "Wash the Windows," "Rake the Yard" and "Wash and Vacuum the Car."

One by one, lift each triangle and write a reward underneath, such as "Pizza Party," "Movie Night with Popcorn," "Baseball Game with Dad, and Burgers at Dino's" and "Afternoon at the Wave Pool." Fold triangles back to their original position. Flip the cootie catcher over again. Write giant numbers from one to four in each of the four squares.

To Play: Fold the cootie catcher in half. Slide thumbs and two forefingers into each of the four numbered flap pockets. Rotate your hands to make the cootie catcher open and close. The chores will appear and disappear as you move your hands. Let a family member pick a number from one to four. Open and close the cootie catcher that number of times. Stop. The player looks inside and selects a chore. Check under the chore's flap to find the reward when the chore is all done.

For more ideas, go to www.pbskids.org/arthur and click "Print" to find cootiecatcher folding illustrations and themed cootie catchers you can print out and play.

Donna Erickson's new award-winning television series "Donna's Day" is airing on public television nationwide. Visit www.donnasday.com to find out when it airs on your local PBS station and to sign up for Donna's e-newsletter.

(c) 2007 Donna Erickson Distributed by King Features Synd.