If the loop is not pushed down this will lead to a pointed end being loose and charges like to jump to and from points. Make sure the foil does not touch the glass when it deflects. If the leaves don't deflect, make sure they ar e free to move. If the foil touches the glass, trim the foils so that they are too short to do so. The glass bottle protects the foil leaves from air currents.
Aluminum foil is used because it is light so it moves even with small electrostatic forces.
Now touch the knob of the electroscope. Record your observations. Bring a charged golf tube near the loop. This time touch the loop with your finger while the golf tube is near the loop. Remove your finger and then the tube.