DIY Activity Spinners for Kids

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.

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 center 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 center 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
• Neighbor
• 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 neighbor” or “Offer to help a teacher” look like?

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 neighborhood

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.

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.)