I know… you might think . . .” come on Marsha… perhaps differentiated spinners is pushing it a bit” but I have to tell you, of the many tools I use to differentiate instruction, spinners are a MUST have item. I can change an activity and tier it just by throwing in a different spinner.
A group of students can be working on an activity that deals with bigger and smaller and for another tier, I can throw in an odd/even spinner to add some challenge. Or a group of students may play a game where they use an addition 0-5 spinner and presto change-o I can throw a new spinner into the game and make it a bit more challenging by now using an addition spinner card for 0-10.
Spinners are versatile and cheap. I use them for math games, making words, writing activities . . . You name it! You can find them about anywhere, but, let’s face it, they all can not give you a great SPIN like you need to keep kiddos engaged in a classroom. Thee best one’s I found are from Learning Resources (I LOVE those guys!).
The CD case is such a genius idea! Thanks so much for the simple solution! Love it!
ThePolishedTeacher
Glad people can use it.
Marsha
WOW!!! I would have never thought of that idea! How cool! Thanks for sharing where you get your spinners from. I’m getting my school order ready and have yet to find spinners, except the ones you snap together. I didn’t really want those. Thank you for sharing this great ideas!
Oh no Sherry. Learning Resources’ really are great and not at all expensive if you’re placing an order anyway or can share an order with someone else. It’s worth it to have ones that work well. If they don’t, the kiddos become restless.
Marsha
So true! I’ve been using the “brad and paper clip spinners”. They don’t always work so well. This month I got 2 from our Math specialist, but need to get some on my own. Now that I know where yours came from and it’s order time I am adding it in! Thanks!!!!
What a genius idea!!!
I know! I wish I would have thought of it. I know I saw it somewhere years and years ago. I just can’t for the life of me remember where I’ve been doing it for so long.
Marsha
LOVE your spinner idea. Can’t wait to try this and switch out card. Thanks so much for the super idea!
You are very welcome. Let me know how it works for you.
Marsha
Thanks. It really is a lifesaver.
Marsha
What a great way to increase the little guys ability to hold onto it better. I love this idea. Thanks so much.
Thank you so much sharing about the spinners. I can’t wait to order and spin away!
april
atbrower75@gmail.com
Great idea…very clever!! Thanks for sharing!!
I sooo love this idea! Okay, I am off to shop! Thanks Marsha for sharing! 🙂
Cheryl
Crayons and Curls
Because I am VERY visual, how do you tape the spinner without compromising the spin? 🙂
Btw, I looked on amazon. You can get 8 spinners for $8 (I can’t remember, but very close to that) and if you have prime, it’s free shipping! (From school specialty)
You read my mind…I so wanted to know how these spinners were made from your last post! Awesome, Marsha, just awesome!
Krissy
Mrs.Miner’s Monkey Business
What a great idea, thanks for sharing! I love Dollar Tree (except their glitter glue and dry erase markers, they’re always dried out!!!)
~Jessica
Fun in PreK-1
CD cases for those clear spinners…you are a genious!!! 🙂 Thanks for sharing your good idea! Now I know what to do with them!
The Cd case spinner is one of those, “Why didn’t I think of that?” ideas. So great – Thanks for sharing!
Teachin’ First