Unwrapping Wisdom: Teaching National Fortune Cookie Day in ESL Classes

National Fortune Cookie Day celebrates the intriguing tradition of fortune cookies, offering ESL teachers an engaging opportunity to explore culture, wisdom, and the art of prediction while enhancing language skills. This commemoration invites an exploration of cultural traditions, language use, and the joy of fortune-telling.

Understanding National Fortune Cookie Day

National Fortune Cookie Day celebrates the symbolic and sometimes whimsical messages found inside fortune cookies, which are often served in Chinese restaurants.

Language Skills and Activities

Vocabulary Enrichment:

Introduce fortune-related vocabulary such as prophecy, prediction, wisdom, and specific terms related to fortune cookie messages. Use visuals, fortune cookie images, or discussions to reinforce vocabulary.

Reading and Comprehension:

Select fortune cookie messages, short phrases, or stories about the tradition of fortune cookies. Conduct reading sessions followed by discussions or comprehension tasks.

Writing Tasks:

Encourage students to write their own fortune cookie messages, compose stories based on fortune cookie predictions, or reflect on personal interpretations of messages. This exercise nurtures language skills and encourages creative expression.

Exploring Cultural Traditions

Origin and Significance:

Discuss the origin of fortune cookies, their association with Chinese cuisine, and their cultural significance in various countries.

Fortune-Telling Customs:

Explore different fortune-telling customs or traditions from around the world, comparing them to fortune cookies.

Interactive Activities

Create Fortune Cookies:

Engage students in making paper fortune cookies with personalized messages, encouraging creativity and language use.

Interpretation Game:

Play a game where students interpret and discuss different fortune cookie messages, sharing their interpretations with the class.

Reflective Discussions

Messages and Interpretations:

Initiate discussions on the interpretations of fortune cookie messages and how they relate to everyday life.

Cultural Perspectives:

Discuss how fortune-telling practices reflect cultural beliefs and values, fostering cross-cultural understanding.



Teaching about National Fortune Cookie Day in ESL classes offers an intriguing exploration of culture, prediction, and the art of interpretation. By integrating language exercises, discussions on fortune cookies, interactive activities, and reflective conversations, educators can create an engaging lesson that not only enhances language skills but also encourages reflection and cultural appreciation.


As we celebrate National Fortune Cookie Day, let us inspire students to unwrap wisdom, appreciate cultural traditions, and enjoy the playful art of prediction.