Fidget spinners have taken 2017 by storm. And the craze, which has made its way into schools and households everywhere, shows no sign of abating.
It is estimated more than 200 million of the gadgets have been sold this year.
While many teachers see fidget spinners as more hindrance than help in the classroom, the devices are said to help children and adults cope with stress.
As fidget spinners occupy the hands and the repetitive motion soothes the mind, the devices are said to calm the nerves.
In fact, these simple, three-pronged devices were originally marketed as therapeutic toys for children with ADHD and autism.
It’s a rare thing these days for a kids’ craze not to involve a screen. Only costing $5-$10 in-store, the gadget is so simple, it can even be made at home.
This DIY craft project will turn a simple toy into a physics lesson.
Not only will you keep them entertained, they’ll be the envy of all their friends.
Here’s what you’ll need:
• Thick craft cardboard
• Round wooden skewers
• 3 x 5¢ pieces per spinner
• Strong PVA glue
• Scissors
• Pens for decorating
Here’s how to do it:
1. Print a three-prong fidget spinner template and trace the outline on to a card. The dimensions of this will help make sure your fidget spinner is evenly weighted.
2. Decorate your fidget spinner with coloured pens. Let the kids get creative with this and draw whatever designs they like.
3. Directly on top of the traced outlines, glue a 5¢ piece on each arm of the spinner with strong PVA glue.
4. Pierce the centre of your fidget spinner with a round wooden skewer.
5. Trim the toothpick so it extends a centimetre or so on either side of the cardboard.
6. Glue a cardboard circle on to the edge of each toothpick. Make sure you use a large amount of glue to sturdily secure the toothpick and take care not to glue this directly on to the spinner itself.
7. Repeat the previous step on the bottom of the spinner as well, also ensuring this is attached only to the wooden skewer and not to the three-pronged cardboard base. Be patient as these will take a while to dry.
While these won’t spin quite as fast as a store-bought spinner, kids will have oodles of fun making them and designing the toys themselves.
Using material you probably have at home already, this simple craft activity is sure to keep the little ones entertained long after the glue has dried.
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