Little artists are challenged to fill an entire paper plate, front and back, with colors, lines, and patterns. Adults cut the plate into a spiral, and a playful twirler unravels.

Supplies:

• Paper plates in white or in solid colors
• Variety of mark making tools:
  • Paint Sticks
  • Liquid Watercolor
  • Markers
  • Crayons
  • Colored Pencils
  • Dotters
• Glitter glue (optional)
• Ribbon
• Scissors
• Single Hole Punch

Instructions:

1. Lay out all the mark making tools and the paper plate.
2. Encourage your little artist to fill the entire plate, front and back, with colors, lines, shapes, and sparkles.
3. After your little artist has deemed their work complete, cut the plate into a spiral shape. Holding the plate in one hand, cut a one inch band, moving into the center.
4. Hold the center of the plate and let the “twirler” unravel! Punch a hole at the top of the twirler, tie a ribbon loop, and hang on display.

Tips:

1. For extra pizzazz punch holes along the entire length of the twirler and tie ribbon curls that will bounce and move with as the twirler spins.
2. If little artists are having trouble filling the space, encourage them to use a new mark making material or spread glitter glue in empty spots.

Storybook:

Before or after your twirler project, read the book Swirl by Swirl by Joyce Sidman together with your little artist.