Color Wheel Spinner
Are your elementary and middle school art classes bored learning color theory and the color wheel? These engaging, interactive color wheel spinner templates include 7 different color schemes. Use the worksheets in conjunction with your own color theory art projects to reinforce the learning.
Each color wheel spinner targets either secondary, tertiary, complementary, split-complementary, or analogous colors, as well as tints and shades. The secondary and tertiary spinners come labeled and unlabeled. Use these to scaffold your color wheel art lessons for elementary.
Students can use paint, colored pencils, crayons, and markers to fill in. Simply color, cut, and fasten!
Once it’s assembled, these color wheel spinners are very hands-on. Students will use them repeatedly to recall how to mix colors.
Color Theory Art Lesson Plans
Spiraling color wheel lessons throughout your art curriculum will build knowledge over time. Here’s how I’ve taught color theory in art for elementary and middle school.
- KINDERGARTEN: I teach them that red, blue, and yellow are primary colors. They do not get a color wheel spinner.
- 1ST GRADE: They receive a secondary color wheel spinner (labeled) as well as a pre-drawn top cover. We do it together.
- 2ND GRADE: I give them a secondary color wheel wheel (unlabeled, because it’s review) and help them half way. They fill in the remainder. They also work in pairs or table groups to create a color wheel spinner for tints and shades. They also learn that the colors not on the color wheel are called neutral colors.
- 3RD GRADE: They get a tertiary color wheel spinner with a blank top. I guide them through making it. And, I have them design something related to the color spectrum. They also learn about 3 complementary color pairs.
- 4TH GRADE: Each child gets a blank tertiary color wheel to complete on their own. 4th grade also learns that complementaries can be mixed to make neutrals.
- 5TH GRADE: I teach them about analogous and monochromatic color schemes as well as how to mix a tone.
- 6TH GRADE: They’re given a complementary color wheel that uses tertiary colors.
- 7TH GRADE: They receive a split-complementary color wheel worksheet.
- 8TH GRADE: This year is a reinforcement of everything they’ve already learned about the color wheel.
Color theory lessons plans are more engaging with this color wheel spinner activity. These take color theory worksheets a step further because they show kids how to use a color wheel.
Color Wheel Spinner Templates Included
- Secondary (Unlabeled & Unlabeled)
- Tertiary (Unlabeled & Unlabeled)
- Complementary (with Secondaries)
- Complementary (with Tertiaries)
- Analogous
- Tints and Shades
- Split-Complementary
You Will Receive
- 1 Non-Editable PDF (Teacher Directions, Step-by-Step Student-Lead Directions, 9 Color Wheel Spinner Templates)
- Paperless Google Drive Digital Resource
Why You’ll Love It
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These wheels are a fabulous resource. I have used them with multiple grade levels. All classes enjoyed making these wheels and I believe that it gave the students a better understanding of color theory. It’s great that they can each have their own wheels that they can manipulate.
I also like that there are a variety of choices of designs. That way students are able to take some ownership and make creative choices.
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As an art teacher with primary students, I always start off the year with a focus on colour. This colour wheel was a massive hit with my grade 2s last year! It really helped us to start off the year on a fun and engaging note!
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I am teaching color theory in our after school program. The is a perfect introduction activity!
Terms of Use
Please refer to my complete terms of use prior to purchasing.
The Kiwi Curriculum (Teacher-Author) –
I’ve used this several times, with several different groups of learners. It’s a really engaging activity, and makes the concept easy to understand. Learners also enjoy how hands on this is. Thank you!
Katharine T. –
I have been going over crayon and marker craftsmanship with my students and used the color wheel to practice coloring carefully. The students loved putting the color wheel together and seeing how the colors lined up!
wendy hardgrave –
My teenager class really enjoyed this activity É
MISSDRESELART (Teacher-Author) –
This was perfect for using with my middle school classroom!
Marcelle L. –
Great resource easy to use and engaging for the students
Kelly M. –
These wheels are a fabulous resource. I have used them with multiple grade levels. All classes enjoyed making these wheels and I believe that it gave the students a better understanding of color theory. ItÕs great that they can each have their own wheels that they can manipulate. I also like that there are a variety of choices of designs. That way students are able to take some ownership and make creative choices.
Leah S. –
High quality resource! Great resource for introducing color and color theory.
Christina S. –
It was amazing!
Catherine Kim –
Great resource!
jesse B. –
Great resource for teaching color.
Jane H. –
I am teaching color theory in our after school program. The is a perfect introduction activity!
marla F. –
incredible resource!
Rebecca M. –
I love this fun activity to reinforce the color element of art. Something simple and a great interactive visual!
Jennifer C. –
The students loved this! Thank you!
Sarah J. –
Fun supplemental activity
Summer F. –
As an art teacher with primary students, I always start off the year with a focus on colour. This colour wheel was a massive hit with my grade 2s last year! It really helped us to start off the year on a fun and engaging note!
JO ANN G. –
Very easy to use. Left it for a sub to use during art time. Kids loved it.
ART is Elementary with Ms T (Teacher-Author) –
These are a great resource
Mellissa Winzenrith –
Wonderful resource!
Shelley B. –
Great resource!
Karen T. –
My students loved making these!
Kim H. –
Options to customize. Great with color wheel unit.
Angie Braiantsis –
Thank you!
Dawn D. –
Just what I needed, when I needed it! It’s awesome, thanks!
andrea C. –
So excited to use these!
Shannon K. –
can’t wait to try this with my students during their color unit
Sarah Regnier –
Thanks!
Mrs Volkmer Art (Teacher-Author) –
My 3rd graders really enjoyed making these! Thank you!
Allison W. –
This is great to refresh my older kids on the color wheel while also keeping things interesting.
Christina Henderson –
Excellent resource!!!
Sharon L. –
Great resource
Blair G. –
Easy to make and fun to complete.
Lisa C. –
My class loved making the spinners! Lots of options!
manuel C. –
Great resource
Amanda T. –
great thanks
Ana S. –
LOVED this product! The kids enjoyed coloring them in and I really like how it can be adjusted to various grade levels.
Susan G. –
Fun way to teach color wheel, My students loved the activities.
Kendra G. –
my students loved these because they are interactive!
Heidi M. –
fun to make!
Melody S. –
These are so cool! Thank you
Jean Nickel –
I did these with my 4th and 5th grade students as a color review. They enjoyed it as a beginning of the year project.
Peggy Goodwin –
My kids like interactive stuff like this! Thank you so much!
Caitlin M. –
Great, thanks!
History from the Middle (Teacher-Author) –
I used this to emphasis color within the elements of design for my Yearbook class…It was perfect!
Hope K. –
This is a very practical, well done application.
Nora G. –
Thank you!!!!
Managing the Mess (Teacher-Author) –
Fun resource!
Debbie P. –
Awesome!!!!
Dayna S. –
I’m excited to use this with my students this year. Thanks!