Have you ever wondered how to teach your kids to tell time? Try this Paper plate clock with things you already have at home. It takes just a few minutes to make and your kids will have fun learning to tell time.
Supplies for making Paper plate clock:

Gather your supplies to make this simple and fun DIY clock to learn telling time.
- Paper plates -2
- Markers
- Pushpin or thumbtack or paper brads
- Foam sheet or any thick cardstock
- Glue gun
- Pliers if you are using pushpin or thumbtack
- Ruler
- Pencil or pen
- Scissors
Take a marker and write the numbers for the clock on one paper plate.

Write the numbers for the clock on the paper plate.
Make clock hands on a foam sheet using a ruler and a pencil or pen. One tall hand as minute hand and one shorthand as the hour hand. Cut them using scissors.

Cut them using scissors and use them on the other side so that the markings are not visible
Assembling the DIY clock
Place the minute hand on the top of the hour hand and poke a hole on one side using a push pin. Then mark the center of the paper plate and poke a hole. Attach the clock hands through the center hole of the paper plate. When doing this, attach the clock hands with both the paper plate together.

Add a dollop of hot glue to the back of the paper plate to avoid poking the pushpin. Use pliers in case you want to bend the pin a little bit.
Now use scissors and cut between each number as shown below. Make sure you don’t go beyond the center circle of the paper plate where the clock hands are.

Use scissors and cut in between the numbers
Use colorful markers to write the corresponding minutes under each number on the second paper plate below. The DIY paper plate clock is now ready.

Colorful minutes for easy recognition.

Homemade clock using paper plates is now ready to teach your kids the art of telling time.
If you are feeling more crafty and wanted to try a different type of DIY clock that rotates to view the minutes. Keep reading.
Supplies for Paper clock using paper plates – Version 2

Try this version of a paper plate clock for non-stop fun.
- Paper plates – 2
- Two different color cardstock
- Page protector or any clear plastic bag
- Black marker
- Foam sheet or anything cardstock for clock hands
- Pushpin or thumbtack or paper brads
- Glue gun & glue stick
- Pliers
- Pen or pencil
- Ruler
- Compass or any round objects around the house for circle template
- Craft knife
Draw two circles- one big for the clock and another small one about 1/2″ diameter for minutes using a pen or pencil on one of the paper plates. I am not mentioning the size here as it depends on the size of the paper plate you are using. Use a craft knife to cut the circles.

Use plates and jumbo markers cap as templates for drawing circles if you don’t have a compass.
Next, use two different color cardstock to cut two circles to glue on the other paper plate. One circle should be of the size that fits the center part of the paper plate and another circle that is 1/8″ larger than the big circle that you drew in the previous step. Glue the cardstock one above the other on the paper plate using a glue stick.
Place the other paper plate on top of the paper plate you just glued with cardstock. Use markers to write the numbers for the clock and also rotate the paper plate and write the corresponding minutes to each number in the small circle.

Write the clock numbers and minutes using markers
Assembling the plate clock
Remove the top plate and glue the plastic sheet on the inside of the paper plate using hot glue or clear tape.

Use markers to mark the plastic sheet and trim the excess with scissors to fit the sheet inside the plate.
Now place the plate covered with a plastic sheet on the other paper plate. Use the same method as the previous one to make clock hands and attach them in the center to complete the clock.

Teach time using the simple homemade paper clock using paper plates
Which one of the two is your favorite Homemade paper clock? Tell me in the comments below. I would love to hear from you.

Perfect preschool clock to teach time to your little ones
What a pretty paper plate clock!
When my kids were younger, we made new years countdown clocks with punches at the numbers with curling ribbon. The kids listed their top 12 memories of the year : ) It’s so cute to go back and see what they were thinking back then!
Great post! Bookmarked for later use!
I never thought to use paper plates for frisbees. My children will get a kick out of this.
You must be so busy! Moving isn’t always fun but it does stretch your creativity where the children are concerned doesn’t it? 🙂
We used to always draw a face on the plate, then use a hole punch to cut a tiny hole in the mouth. We’d take a yellow piece of yarn, thread it through, and then tie knots on the ends. When we pulled the yarn, it looked like the face was eating spaghetti. As kids, we thought it was so funny. 🙂
I just bought a bunch of those Hefty plates for a party I’m hosting! Now I have to resist your crafts so I can actually use them for the party. LOL But if we have any leftover, I”ll be headed to your site for some inspiration. great ideas!
Not sure that I have any creative ideas for fun things to do with paper plates, but I do have a suggestion since your family has upped its disposable products use. Consider using biodegradable disposable dishware. Not only can these products be composted which reduces the waste in our landfills, but unlike their petroleum-based counterparts which are toxic, biodegradable dishware is made for plant materials and is toxic-free.
I never thought to use paper plates for frisbees,its really Informative tricks
First, choose a striking tablecloth that will enhance the look of your table.
Doess Oneida dinnerware meet FDA standards forr lead and cadmium content.
This iss a clock made from solid maple and features a burl verneer that iis quite rare in walpl clocks.