Do your young children have trouble using spinners? I see lots of great math and literacy games out there using spinners but I usually pass them by in favor of my old standby- the pocket die.
Spinners can be challenging for young children if they are introduced too soon. Using a spinner requires more fine motor strength and dexterity than most kids are ready for at four years of age.
At some point in the year though, when they are ready, I like to introduce spinners.
How to Make an Inexpensive Magnetic Spinner
To reduce frustration and increase the ease of spinning I decided to solve this problem and create my own spinner. The materials I used are pictured below and I have also listed them for you here.
Magnetic Spinner Supplies
- One stove burner cover
- A tube of my favorite glue- E6000
- One magnet dot
- Spinner
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Directions for Making a Magnetic Game Spinner
This is so easy it requires very little explanation. First, I attached a magnet dot to the back of the spinner using E6000 glue.
Next, I used the beginning sounds wheel from my Jack in the Beanstalk literacy packet and placed it in the center of the stove burner cover. The magnet on the back of the spinner secures the game board to the burner cover and also raises the spinner high enough off the board to make spinning easier.
DIY Magnetic Game Spinner
You can use this easy DIY spinner for any literacy or math center activity. My stove burner cover was a little big but I like how it provides a very clear boundary for the spinner.
The burner cover is also very portable and lightweight so students can pass it around if needed.
Follow my DIY Classroom board on Pinterest for more great ideas!
