Youth Activity Archive

Activity Description: Youth create a simple spinning top using a paper plate and a pencil.

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Items Needed:

• Paper plate
• Unsharpened pencil with eraser
• Scissors
• Tape or glue
• Markers or crayons
• (Optional) Stickers or small decorations

Instructions (Estimated Total Time: 10–15 min):

1. Decorate the paper plate. (3–5 min)
   • Add colors, patterns, or designs.
   • (Optional) Add stickers or small decorations.
2. Make a center hole. (3–5 min)
   • Use scissors to carefully poke a small hole in the middle of the plate.
   • Make sure the hole is just big enough for the pencil to fit through.
3. Insert the pencil. (3 min)
   • Push the unsharpened pencil through the center hole until the eraser touches the bottom of the plate.
   • The plate should sit flat and spin easily.
   • Use tape or glue if the plate wobbles or shifts too much.
4. Spin the top. (1–2 min)
   • Twist the pencil between your fingers to make the plate spin.
   • Try different designs to see how they look while spinning.

Step-by-Step Tutorials:

• Alternative Instructions: Kid Minds – Pencil Spinners