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Thursday, August 4, 2011

Wheel of Fun!

This summer I've found that Connor has been getting whiny and cranky when he gets bored.  When I suggest an activity, he isn't interested at all.  Turning 3 has been a little challenging!!  He seems to say "no" to everything I say. 

So I had to come up with an idea fast!
I decided to create an activity wheel that he could spin.  The wheel provides activities that he can do when he is bored or just needs a suggestion for something fun to do.

I created the wheel by first cutting a circle from a file folder.
Then I covered the file folder with scrapbook paper I already had so it was brighter and cuter.
Then I printed out different activities that we can easily do together to stay busy during our summer days together.  I tried to keep the activities simple that used materials that we already have around the house.
I cut out an arrow from orange scrapbook paper to use as the spinner.  The key to making the arrow spin is to attach it to a safety pin or paperclip so it spins faster.  I taped the safety pin to the back of the arrow and laminated it.  Then I punched a small hole through the arrow where the end of the safety pin was and stuck a brad the small hole.

I laminated everything using clear contact paper.  I stock up with clear contact paper from the Dollar Store because I love laminating everything!
I used velcro to attach the activities to the wheel so I could switch our activities every couple days.  Just remember to be consistent with the sides of the velcro you attach to the wheel and the activities (I learned this the hard way).
The final step is to attach the arrow and place your different activities on the wheel.  I also attached magnets to the back so I could keep it on the refrigerator.

Now when Connor starts to get bored and whiny, we just go up and spin the wheel to pick a fun activity to do.

A fun and simple way for kids to pick an activity to do when they get bored throughout these summer months and all year long!

19 comments:

  1. Oh my goodness, that is genius!! This would be great for my boys because when they start fighting over what to do, we can simply spin the wheel and let the wheel decide. I love the velcro idea too so you can change out the activities! I am totally pinning this on Pinterest right now and can't wait to make it! Thanks!

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  2. This is such a fun idea! I bet your the 'fun Mom'!

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  3. Such a great idea! I saved it in my to do folder. My daughter will be 3 in December and we are currently having the fun combination of no and why days. Last time I asked her if she was having a no day, she answered:"yes". That was the only yes that day. Ok, maybe another yes to a "would u like some candy" question. He he. Thank you for sharing. I came through the CSI Project.

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  4. What a great idea!! I'll be pinning this too and will add it to my long "To Do" list. I have a Connor too - just a year older than yours. Thanks so much for linking up to The Creative Spark. I love your ideas!
    Jenn :)

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  5. Hey Kara (my name too!)
    It looks like you had lots of fun creating the wheel. great idea.
    Kara

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  6. This is so cute! I want to do something like this for my kid's kitchen chores. Great inspiration!

    I would LOVE for you to link this up at my Link Party, Once Upon a Weekend on my blog Family Ever After. The party starts on Fridays and lasts all week.

    Here’s the link if you’re interested:www.familyeverafter.blogspot.com

    Also, if you have a list of favorite link parties, I’d love to be included on Fridays. Thanks a ton! Have an awesome day!!!

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  7. This is a great idea. I have got to try this with my kids and HOPEFULLY it'll help give my toddlers something to do with their time other than tearing our house apart :)

    Bri @ Ramblings of a Southern Mama Bri

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  8. That is an awesome idea. I could have used that this summer! (They start back to school next week). But I will make one of my own. :-) Following from Super Stalker Hop

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  9. This is such a great idea. Does it work on Teenagers? I need to come up with different categories. Following from the Sunday blog hop. Have a wonderful weekend.

    Dayna
    http://www.greatbeautybuys.com

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  10. This is a great idea, 2 of my kids have autism and they have problems when it comes to choosing what to do. This way they don't have to choose when they spin a choice wil be made for them and they will have something on their hands for a while. I am going to link up to this article from my blog http://soberchiclifestyle.blogspot.com/

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  11. What a fun simple idea... my daughter is constantly asking me 'What are we doing next? This might seriously help!

    Carlee
    www.ladybirdln.com

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  12. Hello, I am your newest follower!
    I hope you have a fantastic week. If you are interested, I am giving away a package prize soon, a little something for everyone: We Don't Have It All Together, But Together We Have It All :)

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  13. Just featured this at Little Lucy Lu!
    Thanks so much for linking up your FUN idea!
    ~Bec :-)

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  14. too perfect!

    wouldn't this be a fun way to accomplish our 'to do' lists too! :)

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  15. I love this idea! Do you have a list of the activities you included for the wheel?

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  16. I love this idea, but I don't know how my 8 and 11yos would like it. I can see my 8yo re-spinning over and over. LOL

    New follower from Monday Mingle, please follow back:

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  17. Kara, this is such a great idea for keeping your little guy engaged and boredom-free! I love the fact that the activities are interchangeable/removable, and love your trick for making the spinner move faster.

    Always a pleasure to have you be a part of "A Little Birdie Told Me..."!

    jenn

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  18. Great idea. We do something similar with choices in a glass jar.

    I found you at Tough Cookie's Monday Mingle. Following you now. Stop by when you can.

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  19. PINNING! Love this idea!! :) I am going to make it for my Scentsy fairs, shows, and parties!!

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