Graphing Fidget Spinner Activity: 2D Shapes
Recommended Grade Level:
Type of Resource: PDF
Number of Pages: 6
Coordinating Activities
Graphing Fidget Spinner Activity: 2D Shapes
- Shape spinner mat in color and black and white
- Shape graph in color and black and white
Put a small sticker on one spoke of a fidget spinner, set it on the mat and spin.
Required Materials:
- Paper, printer and ink
- Laminator
- Fidget spinner
- Small sticker
- Crayons or a dry erase marker
Standards for Shapes and Graphing
This activity supports early math standards connected to naming shapes and collecting data on a graph.
Common Core State Standards
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.MD.B.3: Classify objects into given categories; count the numbers of objects in each category and sort the categories by count. Kids count how many times each shape was spun and compare the columns.
- CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.K.G.A.2: Correctly name shapes regardless of their orientations or overall size. Kids name each shape they land on.
Texas Prekindergarten Guidelines and TEKS for Mathematics
- PK4.V.E.2: Child collects data and organizes it in a graphic representation. Kids record each spin on the graph.
- PK4.V.C.1: Child names and describes common 2D shapes and names at least 1 solid 3D shape. Kids name each shape.
Virginia Standards of Learning
- K.PS.1.f: Organize and represent a data set (vertically or horizontally) using pictures to form a simple picture graph. Kids fill in the graph one spin at a time.
- K.MG.2: Identify, describe, name, compare and construct plane figures (circles, triangles, squares and rectangles). Kids name the shapes on the mat.
Graphing Fidget Spinner Activity: 2D Shapes gives preschool and kindergarten kids a fun way to name shapes and practice graphing.
Kids spin a fidget spinner on the shape mat. The shape next to the sticker is the one they color on the graph.
After a few spins, kids count each column and tell which shape came up the most and the least.
How to Use Graphing Fidget Spinner Activity: 2D Shapes
- Print and laminate the spinner mat and graph.
- Put a small sticker on one spoke of a fidget spinner.
- Kids spin the fidget spinner on the mat.
- Kids name the shape by the sticker and color one box on the graph.
- Kids count and compare the columns.
Small Group: Spin together and talk about which shape is winning.
Math Center: Set out the mat, spinner and graph.
Easy Ways to Differentiate This Graphing Activity
Every group has a mix of shape and fine motor skills. These simple changes keep the activity familiar while meeting each child where they are.
For Children Who Need More Support:
- Name the shapes on the mat first.
- Color the graph together.
- Stop after 5 spins.
- Point to the column for each shape.
For On-Level Practice:
- Spin and graph until a column is full.
- Name each shape.
- Count each column.
- Tell which shape has the most.
For an Extra Challenge:
- Tell how many more one shape has than another.
- Predict which shape will win.
- Write the totals.
- Make a new graph with a partner.
For Speech, OT, ELL or Special Education Support:
- Name each shape together and give plenty of wait time.
- Accept pointing, gestures, AAC or any communication method the child already uses.
- Trace each shape with a finger to feel the sides and corners.
- Use real shape blocks next to the pages.
Graphing Fidget Spinner Activity: 2D Shapes Are Perfect For:
- Preschool and pre-K
- Kindergarten
- Shape units
- Math centers
- Small-group instruction
- Special education
- ELL and multilingual learners
- Homeschool
