No.194
Spinning Tops
Japanese name: こま回し
Materials
- One throwing top and its designated cord per person
- Markers for the spinning area and waiting line
How to play
- An adult demonstrates winding the cord and throwing low. Separate the throwing area from the waiting line. Check the top's tip and cord for damage.
- Hook the cord end onto the upper spindle, then wind tightly from the pointed end with few gaps. Follow the equipment's instructions for securing its cord.
- Support the top with the middle finger and hold it lightly with thumb and index finger. Hold the free cord end and check that nobody is beyond the waiting line in the throwing area.
- Throw one at a time, low toward the floor inside the marked area, and pull the cord to spin the top. Keep hands and feet away while it spins; retrieve it only after it stops completely.
- Take three attempts each, recording successful spins or one longest spin. Share winding tips after everyone's attempts, then complete another circuit to finish.
Ways to adapt
Preschool children: finger-spun tops. Younger primary school children: wind with an adult. Older primary school children: compare spinning times.