The ChompShop Turbo Top Project Pattern Pack lets children aged 8 and over make their own cardboard spinning top, complete with its own launcher. Children wind the top, launch it and watch it spin, then adjust their design to see how long they can keep it spinning. This practical, hands-on project suits learners with SEND and learning differences, who often learn best by making and doing.

How it works

The pack contains printed patterns, string for launching and a link to step-by-step instructions in both written and video form. Children glue the printed patterns onto cardboard, cut out the pieces and assemble their top and launcher. All you need to add is some cardboard and a standard glue stick.

Each ChompShop pattern uses symbols, and the ChompShop Pattern Guide explains what each symbol means, so children can follow the build visually as well as through the written words.

For schools

• Hands-on STEM learning: children build, test and adjust a working spinning top, exploring how design changes affect spin time.
• Fair test opportunities: a friendly spin-off challenge lets pupils compare designs and talk about what works best.
• Visual instructions: pattern symbols and video instructions help learners who find long written instructions hard to follow.
• Simple set-up: the build uses everyday cardboard and a glue stick, so it fits easily into a lesson, club or intervention session.

For parents and home use

• A screen-free project: a focused, practical activity children can enjoy with family.
• Builds confidence: children finish with a real toy that works, made with their own hands.
• Play that keeps going: family spin-off challenges keep the fun going long after the build.
• Easy to start: just add cardboard and a glue stick from around the house.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many children with SEND and learning differences engage more readily with practical, multi-sensory tasks than with worksheets. The Turbo Top project breaks the build into clear stages, uses visual symbols alongside words, and ends with a toy children can test straight away. Adjusting the design and trying again encourages persistence and problem-solving in a low-pressure way.

Learning through making

Hands-on construction projects give children the chance to plan, test and improve their ideas. Seeing how small changes to a design affect how long a top spins makes learning feel purposeful and rewarding.

Whether you are planning a classroom STEM session or looking for a rewarding weekend project, the Turbo Top Project Pattern Pack is a simple way to get started. If you have any questions, our team at The Dyslexia Shop is happy to help.

• Make-your-own spinning top: children build a cardboard top with its own launcher.
• Wind, launch and spin: string is included for launching the top.
• Design and improve: children can adjust their design to see how long the top keeps spinning.
• Printed patterns: glue onto cardboard and cut out to create each part.
• Written and video instructions: step-by-step guidance is provided through an online link.
• Symbol-based patterns: the ChompShop Pattern Guide explains each symbol used.
• Age suitability: recommended for ages 8 and over (KS2 upwards).
• You will also need: cardboard and a standard glue stick (not included).
• Brand: ChompShop.

• A working toy children make themselves. Learners build a spinning top and launcher, then tweak the design to spin it for longer.
• Visual, step-by-step guidance. Pattern symbols and video instructions support learners with SEND who prefer not to rely on text alone.
• Works at home and in school. Suits classroom STEM sessions, intervention groups and family spin-off challenges using everyday cardboard.
• Specialist UK supplier. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK retailer focused on dyslexia, SEND and learning differences.

What's in the Box

• 1 x set of printed Turbo Top patterns
• String for launching
• 1 x link to written and video step-by-step instructions

Compatibility

Patterns are designed to be glued onto cardboard with a standard glue stick. Cardboard and glue are not included. For best results, glue the edges of each piece firmly before cutting.

Accessibility Notes

Patterns use symbols explained in the ChompShop Pattern Guide, and video instructions are available alongside the written steps.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is the ChompShop Turbo Top Project Pattern Pack?
  It is a make-your-own cardboard spinning top with its own launcher, for children aged 8 and over. Children glue printed patterns onto cardboard, build the top, then wind, launch and watch it spin.
• What comes in the Turbo Top pack?
  The pack includes printed patterns, string for launching and a link to written and video instructions. You will need to add your own cardboard and a standard glue stick to complete the build.
• What age is the Turbo Top pattern pack suitable for?
  ChompShop recommends the Turbo Top pack for ages 8 and over. This makes it a good fit for KS2 and KS3 learners, as well as older children who enjoy practical making projects.
• Is the Turbo Top pack suitable for children with SEND or learning differences?
  Yes, it suits many children with SEND because it is practical, visual and hands-on. Patterns use symbols explained in a Pattern Guide, video instructions support the written steps, and children can test their finished top straight away.
• Can the Turbo Top pack be used in the classroom?
  Yes, it works well for classroom STEM sessions, small-group interventions and after-school clubs. Pupils can adjust their designs and hold a spin-off challenge to compare how long each top keeps spinning.
• Is this a good project to do at home with my child?
  Yes, it is a screen-free project that families can build together using cardboard from around the house. Once finished, the whole family can join in a friendly spin-off challenge.
• What glue should I use with the Turbo Top patterns?
  A standard glue stick works well for sticking the patterns to cardboard. For the best results, ChompShop advises gluing the edges of each piece firmly before cutting.
• Do I need to buy cardboard separately?
  Yes, cardboard is not included in the pack. Everyday cardboard, such as clean packaging boxes, can be used alongside the printed patterns supplied.