Spinning Tower

Topic
- Language
- Mathematics
Learning skills
- Problem solving & decision making
- Language, reading & writing
- Calculating & counting
Activity type
- Quiz & challenge game
Materials
- Basic
- Self-made
Age
- 6 - 11 years
- 12 - 14 years
5 - 15 minutes
2 - 4 players
Easy
Calm
Small (office, pavement)

Contributors

Mobile School

View profile

Everything you need to play this game

Spinning Tower consisting of 4 rotating discs
Marker
Eraser or cloth
Optional: worksheet or notebook
Optional: stopwatch (for challenge mode)
Central vertical rod or axis system

Make it yourself

Step 1

Discs

Top 3 discs:

Printed images (animals, objects, characters, actions)
Numbers
Mathematical symbols (+ − × ÷)

Bottom disc:

Numbers (solutions)

Laminated or sealed print designs

Step 2

Central Tower

Four circular discs stacked vertically.
Each disc rotates independently.
The top three discs contain images and/or numbers.
The bottom disc contains numbers only (used as solutions).
The discs align visually to create combinations.

When aligned, the discs create:

Complete images
Mathematical equations
Creative visual combinations

Good job!

A step-by-step guide to play the game

MODE 1: Youngest Age Group (4–6 years)

Activity 1 – Picture Matching

Spin the top three discs.
Try to match all three to create one complete picture.
When matched, describe what you see.

Questions to ask:

What is happening?
What colors do you see?
Is it an animal? A person? An object?

Activity 2 – Silly Combinations

Spin randomly.
Ask: “What funny creature did we create?”
Encourage children to invent a name.

Activity 3 – Emotion Game

If images show faces or actions:
Ask children to copy the emotion or action.

Activity 4 – Quick Match

Give children 30 seconds to find a full matching image.

Activity 5 – Story Starter

Spin once.
Child says one sentence about what they see.

🧮 MODE 2: Mathematics (7–12 years)

Activity 1 – Basic Addition

Create sums up to 20.

Activity 2 – Multiplication Challenge

Form multiplication problems.

Activity 3 – Find the Error

Spin discs randomly.
Ask: “Is this correct?”
If not, what is the correct answer?

Activity 4 – Time Challenge

Solve 5 equations within 2 minutes.

Activity 5 – Create Your Own Equation

Spin numbers.
Children write full equation on board.

MODE 3: Spelling & Language (7+ years)

Activity 1 – Word Creation

Combine images.
Write a word that connects all three.

Example: Dog + Rain + Hat

→ “The dog wears a rain hat.”

Activity 2 – Sentence Builder

Create one sentence using all elements.

Activity 3 – 3-Word Challenge

Write 3 adjectives describing the combination.

Activity 4 – Story Relay

Each player adds one sentence.

Activity 5 – Creative Drawing

Spin discs.
Draw the combined image on the side panel.

Possible endings:

Count points (correct equations = 1 point).
Applaud most creative story.
Group reflection: What did we learn?
Quick recap: What was hardest? What was funniest?

Extra game information

Important tips:

Adjust difficulty immediately based on ability.
Encourage explanation of thinking (“How did you get that answer?”).
Avoid turning it into pure competition.
Keep it playful.
For mixed-age groups: let older children support younger ones.
For outdoor use: use weather-resistant materials.

If used in trauma-sensitive environments:

Avoid putting children on the spot.
Allow collaborative solving.
Focus on creativity rather than correctness.

Variations

Cooperative Mode

Group solves or creates together.

Speed Round

Timer-based challenges.

Mystery Mode

Cover one disc and guess what is missing.

Language Switch

Play in another language.

Entrepreneur Mode

Combine images and invent:

A product
A company name
A slogan

Emotional Intelligence Mode

If images show characters:

Ask what they might feel.
Why?

What people said about this game

Be the first to write a review

If you have played this game please help inform other people by giving a review.

Have you played Spinning Tower game?

Don’t hesitate, share your feedback and help others to pick the right games. Tell us how it was and how the children reacted? Or do you have any advice for other players, a fun variation, a possible improvement?