Ruben drew out the grid; we chatted about what numbers and colours to use; discussed the 7 times table; painted together and took it in turns to bang in nails. I saw this idea on a site I never tagged. On a google search there were many examples but not the one I'd first found, so I apologise to whomever gave me the idea, that I can't credit them.
I was anticipating that Ruben might decide, once finished, that he'd like to keep the game for himself. He's often had that inclination when making things originally destined for someone else. But this time he gave it so generously and joyously that I felt really proud; proud of his pride in giving. And I was worried that the gift might pale next to the magnificence that manufactured toys display. But the birthday boy was genuinely thrilled and appreciated the gift. Couldn't have gone better. What is it with the worrying?
You need a piece of wood, ideally about 2 cm thick. Draw on a grid with square sides that are bigger than the marbles you will be using (to fit through!). Paint your grid and number however you like. Hammer in nails on grid corners. Thread elastic bands between nails to make a maze. We wrote out our instructions and drew examples, but you can choose the rules to your game. Or it might not be a marble run at all, but a board for writing and making patterns with elastic bands or threads. We might try making a proper pinball version with flippers next.
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