Toddler Tuesday: Bowling

One of my toddlers really likes all things bowling....he tells me that he likes bowling and his mama said they watch bowling videos on YouTube. I wanted to give him a fun bowling experience in the classroom, so I got some supplies together and got to work!

Needed: cardboard, box cutter, hot glue gun, craft paint

First, I cut out a bowling pin template and traced out 6 (in a pyramid of pins) onto one piece of cardboard.

I then cut out the pins along all sides but the base...I wanted them to be connected on the bottom.

Ok, delightful . Then I thought to myself how great toddlers are at taking things apart. I needed some reinforcements on the backs of these pins and on the bottom of the cardboard or this little project would not last 2 seconds in real life toddler play!

I hot glued the second square of cardboard on the bottom of my original piece...this was a little tricky since hot glue dried pretty quick. There was a little cardboard bending involved and then a final bead of hot glue all around the edges.

I cut out a strip of cardboard for each pin and then bent the bottom to make an 'L' shape. I stuck it behind the pin and traced the base of the 'L' to cut that piece out on the original base. It then made a nice little nest for my 'L' to be glued into.

Once I had them all glued in, I added a bit of duct tape for good measure. I didn't glue the 'L' to the pin itself, just let it rest against it.

Finally some paint....pins and a hardwood-like lane!

I brought it to school and my little bowling buddy was so excited. He tried it out that afternoon and had a blast. The pins obviously don't stay down when hit, but rather pop back up once the ball rolls over them. He seemed to think it was pretty cool....I think so too!!