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Does anyone else watch Wheel of Fortune every night? I do and have since my kids were little! While I enjoy watching and guessing independently, Wheel is even more enjoyable with others, especially my grandkids.
First aired in 1975, Wheel of Fortune was created by Merv Griffin and initially hosted by Chuck Woolery and Susan Stafford (do you remember those two?) before the torch was handed to the iconic Pat Sajak and Vanna White in 1981 and 1982, respectively. Since its syndication in 1983, Wheel of Fortune has been one of the most popular game shows on the planet, entertaining millions worldwide with every spin of the giant wheel – including my family.
This got me thinking: How hard would it be to create my own at-home Wheel of Fortune to play with my grandkids? As it turns out, it isn’t very hard and oh-so-fun!
If you are ready to channel your inner Pat and Vanna and host an exciting game night for your grandkids, read on as I go into detail over everything you need for your own DIY Wheel of Fortune:
Understanding the game and its format
The first step is understanding how Wheel of Fortune works. The game involves word puzzles, with players taking turns spinning a large wheel to determine prize money and then guessing letters to solve the puzzle. Every player has the opportunity to spin the wheel, guess a consonant, buy a vowel, or solve the puzzle on their turn. Familiarize yourself with the rules to ensure the game runs smoothly.
Materials and props
- A DIY spinning wheel. This can be as simple as a cardboard circle with a spinner attached in the middle, divided into different segments representing different prize amounts or penalties.
- Index cards for puzzles
- A blank ‘puzzle board’. This could be a whiteboard, chalkboard, or large piece of paper where you can write the puzzles and reveal letters as they’re guessed.
- Markers
- Fake money or tokens for scoring
- Prizes (optional)
Personalizing the Puzzles
One of the best parts of creating your own Wheel of Fortune game is the ability to personalize it. For the puzzles, consider using phrases, movie titles, book titles, or famous quotes that have a special meaning to your family. You could also base puzzles around family trivia or topics that your grandchildren are interested in or currently learning about.
Setting up the Game
On your spinning wheel, evenly distribute the prize amounts or penalties. Make sure they’re written clearly and large enough for everyone to see. On your puzzle board, create blank spaces for the letters of your chosen puzzles. You could use the index cards to keep track of which letters have been guessed.
Briefing the Players
Explain the rules to your grandchildren and make sure everyone understands how to play, emphasizing that it’s a game of chance and strategy and that the main goal is to have fun together.
Playing the Game
Start the game by having the youngest player spin the wheel. As the game host, you’ll be in charge of confirming whether the guessed letters are in the puzzle and revealing them on the puzzle board.
Closing the Game
End the game once all the puzzles have been solved. Tally up the scores and congratulate the grandchild with the highest score. If you have prizes, this is the time to hand them out. Regardless of the outcome, emphasize the fun everyone had playing and the memories created!
Supplies
12 Inch Heavy Duty Spinning Prize Wheel
If you are crafty, a wheel can be a fun project! However, if you are like me and want to save time, this wheel is quick and easy to use!
Wheel of Fortune Game
If you want to really streamline prep time, you can always opt for the board game 😉
75 Pack Fidget Sensory Toy Party Favor Set
Sensory toys are all the rage these days, and they make excellent prizes, too!
Conclusion
Creating a personalized Wheel of Fortune game for your grandchildren can be a wonderful memory-making activity. By following these steps, you can ensure that the game is not just fun but also strengthens connections between generations and provides an educational experience. Now what will it be: A consonant or a vowel?
