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Making A Spinner That Actually Spins!

I love printing cute spinners for classroom games.  I do not love the chaos that ensues when the kids  use pencils and paper clips for the spinner.  Pencils and clips go flying, holes get poked in the spinner, and usually there is an argument about accuracy.

I tried using a brad, but the paper clip wouldn't spin freely creating even more problems.  So I did a little adjusting and now I think I have found something that works!


Make a starter hole in the laminated spinner for the brad.

Fold the back of the brad in the middle of the brad, not at the top,
so that the brad is sticking up from the paper about half an inch.

Tape the back of the brad to the back of the spinner to secure it.

This is what it should look like once it is secured.

Slip the paper clip over the brad.


Start spinnin'!



15 comments

  1. Love the spinner ideas. Thank you for sharing.

    The Fun Factory

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  2. Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea! I have had similar problems with spinners. This sounds like the answer to my problems.

    Krystyn
    Ms. Richards's Musings
    msrichardssmusings@gmail.com

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    1. I hope it works for you! I found the 3/4 inch brad worked best.

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  3. Thanks! I have always had such trouble getting my spinners to work! :)

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    1. I have avoided spinners because they are so frustrating. But my kids love using them now that they actually work:)

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  4. Thanks for the doubles activity. We are reviewing doubles next week. Perfect timing. Also, like that you found a use for extra laminating film.

    Kathy's First Grade Adventure
    Kathy

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    1. Hi! I found your blog on the TpT forum and I am your newest follower. I would love for you to check out my blog when you get a chance. :)

      Thank you for the spinner trick! I love that you fold the brad in the middle. I think that may have been my past problem. The paper clip would always slip off and I think you have found the trick to prevent that! Love it!

      I also ADORE your background colors/pattern of your blog!! I LOVE turquoise and green, so much!I have an apron with these exact colors! LOL!

      Beth :)

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    2. Thanks! Now that we have spinners that work, my kids want to use them all the time and I am making spinner games like crazy:)

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  5. This spinner is great - how resourceful. Love your blog too
    shawpaula.blogspot.com

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  6. This is so awesome! I am student teaching and my kiddos are going to love this.

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  7. That is a FABULOUS idea, and exactly what I was trying to figure out! Thanks so much!!!

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  8. Student teacher here... Just wanna say a BIG Thankyou for sharing this idea! I modify using clips instead of brad (curled on on one side-the other lengthen.. with a plier), and using modified clips again for the "arrow". With the laminating paper as a base - it actually spins very well :-)

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