Building toilet roll structures is fun and easy and a great beginner glue gun activity for preschoolers. It’s also a terrific way to repurpose some of the cardboard rolls you’ve had stashed away in your craft cupboard.
If you think I’m out of my mind to suggest a glue gun project for toddlers and preschoolers, you’re not alone.
I felt the same way until one of my blogging heroes Teacher Tom wrote a post about kids and glue guns.
Being that I admire the heck out of that man, I decided to give it a go here and to my delight, it went well.  We’ve now done several glue gun projects here now, and guess what, the hooligans have loved them all!
By the way, if you’re looking for fun science activities for your kids to do, this one fits the bill.  Structures are very much a part of the every day science that surrounds us.
A little tip to prevent burns:
When you’re working with a glue gun, keep a bowl of ice water nearby.  If necessary, you can quickly dip your hand or fingers into the water to cool things off.
The project:
I started by talking to my little guyabout how the glue gun worked, and warned him that the tip, and the glue would  be hot.
While it was still cool, he practiced holding it and squeezing the trigger. He loves building (you can see him in action with our styrofoam construction set and our homemade cardboard construction set), so he was itching to get started.
I plugged in the glue gun and when it was ready, I demonstrated gluing a couple of pieces of scrap cardboard together, and I turned the reins over to him.
I cut several cardboard tubes into halves and thirds. Â Now, if any of you have a problem with toilet roll tubes being used for crafting purposes, go and grab a tube from a roll of paper-towel or wrapping paper instead.
When I gave the cardboard pieces to the little guy, I told him his job was to glue them together, however he wished. Â He worked away, without assistance for quite a while, until he’d used every last tube, and then he declared in a voice rather filled with surprise:Â “I made a PYRAMID!“
You know what, buddy?
You sure did.
I think we need to make a whole bunch of pyramids and hang them from the playroom ceiling. Â Coloured pyramids!
More beginner glue gun projects for kids:
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Jackie is a mom, wife, home daycare provider, and the creative spirit behind Happy Hooligans. She specializes in kids’ crafts and activities, easy recipes, and parenting. She began blogging in 2011, and today, Happy Hooligans inspires more than 2 million parents, caregivers and Early Years Professionals all over the globe.
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Tiffany M.
Love this!!! I am going to be painting some toilet paper rolls and letting the kids go at it.
Inese Bokiša
Looks great! I will go for it and will bay for my 4 years old, too! Thanks for post and idea!:)
Tonia
Wow what a great idea I’m a school teacher PreK 3&4 and this would be great to do on a rainy day or even after snack. Thanks!
happyhooligans
Glad you liked it, Tonia! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
Shawna
I did sewing with my four year olds today. Real needles and thread. They loved it!
Stacy@{Share&Remember}
Awesome! I need to get a couple low temp glue guns. Fun stuff!
Katie @ Happily Ever Mom
Love this – what a great idea, Jackie!!