DIY Jumbo Connect 4 Game for P.E. or Backyard

This is a very cheap and easy way to make Connect 4 into a giant board game. It was perfect as a cooperative game for my Adapted PE class, or it would be fun just as a backyard game at home! We hung it on a wall, but it could also be laid out on the floor to play. With the materials I used and already had (I already had velcro), it cost me about $20. I was able to use the plates for another jumbo game and still have plates leftover as replacements. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

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Materials I used: 

• 6×8 Blue Tarp: https://amzn.to/3RjRdse 
• 2 Colors of Plates (7in x 7in): https://amzn.to/3TkYHho 
• Velcro (circular, .79″ diameter): https://amzn.to/3Top6uZ
• Sharpie
• Measuring Tape (optional – if you want to have precise measurements!)

Steps:

1. Unfold your tarp so it is lying flat

2. Measurements for how I created mine:

• I did 7 vertical rows x 8 horizontal rows (56 total circles/plates). 

• My first horizontal row of circles was traced about 4 inches from the top of the tarp. The bottom of my tarp had a little more excess than 4 inches, which was fine in my opinion because I will be hanging mine to use it.

• My first vertical row of circles was 8 inches in from the side, beginning on the left side of the tarp. 

3. After figuring out your measurements, and marking them however you prefer, begin tracing your circles. After the first few I felt comfortable just eyeballing the distances. 

4. After your circles are all traced, place one side of your Velcro in the center of each circle. Remember to be consistent and use the same side of Velcro (sticky or soft side) for each one!

5. Place the opposite side of Velcro in the center of all of your plates. For a 7×8 board, I made 56 plates which is 28 plates of each color. My plate colors were yellow and red to mimic the real game.

6. Then you’re all set! We hung ours on the gymnasium wall to play, but you could also leave it on the ground. Enjoy!