If you have a school-aged child, then you’ve probably been introduced to the latest fidget spinner craze. While it might seem like the second coming of the bottle flipping psychosis, this newfound trend can be positive if you use it in the right way.
Here are some practical and even educational ways to make your child’s spinner less of an annoyance and more of an asset.
1. Use it as a timer
If your child becomes exhausted at the thought of picking up their toys or completing a daily chore, then a fidget spinner might be the answer. Have your child give their gadget a good spin, and ask them to pick up as many toys as they can until their fidget device stops spinning. This could also be a great way to get your child to brush their teeth for more than half a second.
2. Use it to encourage STEM skills
Research shows that kids who engage in Science, Technology, Engineering and Math skills are more successful in academics. So, get your kids’ minds moving by encouraging them to use the scientific method with their spinners.
ER Integration came up with a Fidget Spinner STEM Project where children observe their spinners, find the average spin time, graph the spin times, and use what they learn to build their own spinner.
3. Build your own spinner
If you haven’t had a chance to search through your local box store for a fidget spinner, then try using what you have at home to create your own. Frugal Fun 4 Boys used LEGOs to build a fidget spinner, and details step-by-step instructions on how you can make one, too. It’s really a win-win. Your kids get to participate in the latest trend, and there are fewer LEGOs for you to step on.
Do your best to embrace this craze because you never know what’s around the corner.
Jessa is the Editor-in-Chief of Hooray for Family and the mom of three energetic children. She has a BA in Mass Communication/Journalism from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor, and is a long-time resident of Central Texas. When she isn't writing and editing, she enjoys playing board games with her kids, teaching Sunday school and channeling her creativity into craft projects.
