DIY Activity Spinners for Kids

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

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.)

3. Use the suggestions for each topic to fill in the sections on each circle.
   
4. Write your kiddo’s name and the world-changing topic on the smallest circle.

5. 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.
6. Spin the outer two circles to match up sections—you’ll find suggestions for using the spinners under each topic

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.

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.