Childlore thrives when two conditions are met. One is a murkiness of origins. Nobody knows who first folded a cootie catcher or drew a “cool S.” Some childlore feels like it has always existed, ...

For teachers, the numbers six and seven have suddenly taken on a new—and dreaded—significance this school year. From French class to gym class, students are frequently saying (or shouting) “six-seven” ...