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By Amanda Boyarshinov 8 Comments

Creative Crafting – Spinning Plates

Have you tried the classic Spinning Plates craft with your kids yet?  It is a true winner (and a great way to use up the last of the markers!)
paper plate on record player

Be forewarned – this project is addictive and can go through markers at high speed.  On the flip side – it is a great way to keep little ones entertained, begin talking about centripetal force and can use up the last of old markers! It is project is for all of us who like to save things like record players!  I can’t help myself, but record players are so much fun.  Being able to put a record on, see it spin, and hear the old sounds of music is great.  Before beginning, we listened to the story of the Three Little Kittens! Then, we got down to business. Amazon affiliate links.

Materials Needed for Spinning Plates

  • Record Player
  • Paper Plate
  • Markers
paper plate craft on small old record player

If you have a large record player, this may work easier for you.  I only have a small one, so we had to remind the kids to press very lightly.  The crayola washable markers with a nice tip worked the best as my record player doesn’t spin very fast.

How to set up and make Spinning Plates:

We set the light weight paper plate on the record player and gently pushed near the middle, so the middle of the record player popped through and made a hole.

You then switch it on and place the marker near the center.

Hold your hand steady, slowly move the marker towards the edge of the plate.

Experiment to see how pulling it at different speeds changes the lines.

Add as many colors and circles as you want.  Then, if you have a small record player like mine, just flip the paper plate over and start again!

kid drawing with a purple marker on a paper plate that sits on a record player

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Like this idea? Pin for later or share now with a friend!

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Filed Under: Arts Tagged With: Afterschool Express, Amanda, Creative Crafting, grade school

About Amanda Boyarshinov

K - 12 masters reading teacher, author and mom to 3. Amanda is a National Board Certified teacher with oodles of experience in early childhood education.

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Comments

  1. Brooke @ Let Kids Create says

    August 14, 2011 at 1:59 pm

    How fun! We actually have a record player we haven't used for a few years now. Never thought to use it in this way.

    Reply
  2. Aimee from Classified: Mom says

    August 14, 2011 at 9:32 pm

    I don't think that I have seen a record player in years! Thank you for linking up to the Sunday Showcase!

    Reply
  3. Shauna says

    August 15, 2011 at 6:30 pm

    What a fun, fun, idea! Boy do I wish I still had my little record player from my childhood. My little ones would love it.
    Thanks so much for linking up to my "All Things Wonderful Link Up" at myshaenoel.blogspot.com.
    I hope to see you back again with your wonderful ideas.
    Take care,
    Shauna

    Reply
  4. Our Country Road says

    August 16, 2011 at 9:59 am

    What an adorable idea!! I'd love to have you add your post to my Pinterest Tuesday link up! http://ourcountryroad.blogspot.com/2011/08/pinterest-tuesday-week-one.html

    Reply
  5. KarenW says

    August 16, 2011 at 6:03 pm

    That does look like fun! I think I'd even like to do that. But I haven't even seen a record player in a long, long time.

    Reply
  6. Maureen says

    September 1, 2011 at 10:46 pm

    I picked up an old record player last year and it became one of the popular art activity especially with some children that normally were not interested in the art table.
    We used markers but also squeeze bottles with paint in it.
    You can check it out here
    http://strongstart.blogspot.com/2011/01/turntable-fun.html

    Reply
  7. Karima says

    September 23, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    What a great idea for the kids! Saw you on linky party now gfc following you, Karima http://www.karimascrafts.com

    Reply
  8. Kafe says

    July 28, 2014 at 7:05 am

    I did this project in my classroom this year but didn't think of using paper plates! What a time saver and yes, it was quite addictive!

    Reply

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