DIY Activity Spinners for Kids

By Amy Trowbridge-Yates on August 9th, 2021
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As parents, we already know our kids are powerful.

They have powerful voices when we’re trying to watch The Bachelor. Powerful scents after a soccer game. Powerful resistance when we ask them to do something they don’t like. Definitely.

But they also have the power to change the world—even if they don’t always change their socks.

DIY activity spinner MC
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Showing kids they can change the world

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We believe in the incredible power of kids, and we created Little World Changers to show them the big and small ways they can change the world by being kind, being brave, being a good team player and more.

Of course, kids know these are important concepts—they see them on shirts and memes and stickers and just about everywhere. But sometimes for little minds (even future-world-changing ones) it can be tough to figure out how to take those big ideas and put them into real life.

And as parents, we know it can be tough to have meaningful conversations about such abstract ideas.

That’s where these Little World Changers spinners will help get you started. This fun activity can help your family talk about and create everyday opportunities for kindness, courage and collaboration.

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How to make Little World Changers spinners

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What you’ll need: Three pieces of card stock, ruler (optional), scissors, Crayola markers, a metal brad.

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  1. Draw three circles—small, medium and large.
  2. Draw “pie slices” on the two bigger circles: four lines will make eight sections. (You can use a ruler if you’d like.)
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  1. Use the suggestions for each topic to fill in the sections on each circle.
  2. Write your kiddo’s name and the world-changing topic on the smallest circle.
  1. Poke a little hole in the centre of the small circle and push the brad through. Add the medium and large circles and fold the arms on the brad back.
  2. Spin the outer two circles to match up sections—you’ll find suggestions for using the spinners under each topic
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Kindness Spinner

Make this spinner to help your kids think about ways they can perform small, simple, everyday acts of kindness.

1. Give it a name. Write the subject in the smallest circle. (Be sure to leave room in the centre for the brad.) Call it something like “Ways to be Kind” or “Mia’s Cool Acts of Kindness.”

2. Think about people. For the medium circle, talk to your child about important people in their life or folks whose days they could make by being extra nice. Some suggestions:

  • Parent
  • Classmate
  • Friend
  • Family member
  • Faraway friend
  • Neighbour
  • Teacher
  • Pet

3. Choose some activities. For the largest circle, brainstorm ways to be kind. Talk about how kindness doesn’t mean big gestures or gifts—it can be little heartfelt acts that make a difference in someone else’s life. Here are a few to get you started:

  • Do a good deed
  • Tell a joke
  • Share a treat
  • Offer to help
  • Smile and wave
  • Say something nice
  • Write a note
  • Draw a picture

Once you’ve got it all put together, your child can spin the two outside wheels around to see what ideas they inspire. What does “Tell a joke to a neighbour” or “Offer to help a teacher” look like?

How to come up with ideas

When you’re figuring out ways to fill in the blanks, be specific.

  • Personalize the spinners for your child’s unique strengths and include things they’d like to work on, like raising their hand in class, ordering their own food, etc.
  • Let your child suggest ideas and opportunities that are specific to their own lives and feel authentic to their daily routines.
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Bravery Spinner

This spinner gives you a chance to talk about things that might be hard or scary to do—but feel good once they’re done.

1. Give it a name. Write your title around the outside edges of the circle—try something like “Aaron is Bold and Brave” or “Being Brave and Changing the World.”

2. Think about people and places. For the medium circle, brainstorm groups of people your child is involved with and places they go. Some idea-starters:

  • With friends
  • At recess
  • Out with family
  • In class
  • At home
  • On your team
  • In Sunday school
  • Around the neighbourhood

3. Choose things to try. For the largest circle, talk about what bravery looks like to them (and how it isn’t just for superheroes) and think of ways they can practice finding the courage inside. A few ideas:

  • Share an idea
  • Stand up for someone
  • Say how you feel
  • Try something new
  • Speak up
  • Introduce yourself
  • Tell the truth
  • Ask a question

The spinner can help you discuss things that make your kiddo a little nervous—and talk through ways to face those fears.

When to use the spinners

  • Use the spinners regularly—like daily or weekly. Or try them for specific activities—like field trips, team practices, sleepovers—where they might need more “practice” with kindness, bravery or teamwork.
  • After you’ve talked about trying something new, talk about it in the car or at dinner.
  • Find little ways to encourage practicing new behaviours or learning from their actions. Here are some ways to encourage your kids.
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Teamwork Spinner

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Working as a team doesn’t always come naturally, but it’s something kids can learn about at an early age. Work with your child to fill out this spinner with age-appropriate ideas.

1. Give it a name. Write your title around the outside edges of the circle—try something like “Luciana is an MVP” or “We’re All on the Same Team.”

2. Think about group situations. For the medium circle, think about times your child works with a group. Some idea-starters:

  • Playing a game
  • With your siblings
  • In class
  • Working on a project
  • Meeting new people
  • At practice
  • At a gathering
  • Solving a problem

3. Choose teamwork skills. For the largest circle, talk about collaboration—but, you know, at a kid level. Some of those “soft skills” to try:

  • Let someone else go first
  • Compliment a team member
  • Volunteer to lead
  • Support someone’s idea
  • Share your toy
  • Listen instead of talk
  • Take turns
  • Do your share

Talking about teamwork is a great time to talk about important traits like empathy, communication, give-and-take and trust—just the kinds of things kids will need when they go out to change the world. (No pressure, kids.)

Find the new Little World Changers collection of books, cards and gifts at your Hallmark Gold Crown Store.