The ChompShop Serpent Run Project Pattern Pack lets children aged 8 and over build their own cardboard skill game that tests steady hands and smart balance. Players pull strings to tilt the board and guide a marble along a snake's winding path to the hole at the end. This practical, hands-on project suits learners with SEND and learning differences, who often learn best by making and doing.

How it works

The pack contains printed patterns, marbles and a link to step-by-step instructions in both written and video form. Children glue the printed patterns onto cardboard, cut out the pieces and assemble their game. All you need to add is some cardboard and a standard glue stick.

Each ChompShop pattern uses symbols, and the ChompShop Pattern Guide explains what each symbol means, so children can follow the build visually as well as through the written words.

For schools

• Hands-on STEM learning: children build a working tilt game and explore balance, control and cause and effect.
• Inclusive group activity: suits small-group interventions, nurture groups, after-school clubs and enrichment sessions.
• Visual instructions: pattern symbols and video instructions help learners who find long written instructions hard to follow.
• Simple set-up: the build uses everyday cardboard and a glue stick, so it fits easily into a lesson or club.

For parents and home use

• A screen-free project: a focused, practical activity children can enjoy with family.
• Builds confidence: children finish with a real, playable game they made themselves.
• Family fun: easy to learn but challenging to master, so the whole family can compete.
• Easy to start: just add cardboard and a glue stick from around the house.

Supporting SEND and learning differences

Many children with SEND and learning differences engage more readily with practical, multi-sensory tasks than with worksheets. The Serpent Run project breaks the build into clear stages, uses visual symbols alongside words, and ends with a game that rewards patience and careful control. Trying again after a near miss encourages persistence in a low-pressure, playful way.

Learning through making

Hands-on construction projects give children the chance to plan, problem-solve and test their ideas. Building a game they can then play helps learning feel purposeful and rewarding.

Whether you are planning a classroom STEM session or looking for a rewarding weekend project, the Serpent Run Project Pattern Pack is a simple way to get started. If you have any questions, our team at The Dyslexia Shop is happy to help.

• Make-your-own skill game: children build a tilting board with a winding snake path.
• Pull-string control: players pull strings to tilt the board and guide the marble to the hole at the end.
• Marbles included: ready to play as soon as the build is finished.
• Printed patterns: glue onto cardboard and cut out to create each part.
• Written and video instructions: step-by-step guidance is provided through an online link.
• Symbol-based patterns: the ChompShop Pattern Guide explains each symbol used.
• Age suitability: recommended for ages 8 and over (KS2 upwards).
• You will also need: cardboard and a standard glue stick (not included).
• Brand: ChompShop.

• A skill game children build themselves. Learners make a tilting board, then guide a marble along a winding snake path.
• Visual, step-by-step guidance. Pattern symbols and video instructions support learners with SEND who prefer not to rely on text alone.
• Works at home and in school. Suits classroom STEM sessions, intervention groups and family game nights using everyday cardboard.
• Specialist UK supplier. Supplied by The Dyslexia Shop, a UK retailer focused on dyslexia, SEND and learning differences.

What's in the Box

• 1 x set of printed Serpent Run patterns
• Marbles
• 1 x link to written and video step-by-step instructions

Compatibility

Patterns are designed to be glued onto cardboard with a standard glue stick. Cardboard and glue are not included. For best results, glue the edges of each piece firmly before cutting.

Accessibility Notes

Patterns use symbols explained in the ChompShop Pattern Guide, and video instructions are available alongside the written steps.

Delivery and Returns

Standard UK delivery applies. See our Delivery and Returns page for full details.

• What is the ChompShop Serpent Run Project Pattern Pack?
  It is a make-your-own cardboard skill game for children aged 8 and over. Players pull strings to tilt the board and guide a marble along a winding snake path to the hole at the end.
• What comes in the Serpent Run pack?
  The pack includes printed patterns, marbles and a link to written and video instructions. You will need to add your own cardboard and a standard glue stick to complete the build.
• What age is the Serpent Run pattern pack suitable for?
  ChompShop recommends the Serpent Run pack for ages 8 and over. This makes it a good fit for KS2 and KS3 learners, as well as older children who enjoy practical making projects.
• Is the Serpent Run pack suitable for children with SEND or learning differences?
  Yes, it suits many children with SEND because it is practical, visual and hands-on. Patterns use symbols explained in a Pattern Guide, video instructions support the written steps, and the finished game rewards patience and careful control.
• Can the Serpent Run pack be used in the classroom?
  Yes, it works well for classroom STEM sessions, small-group interventions and after-school clubs. Pupils follow instructions in sequence to build the game, then take turns testing their balance and control.
• Is this a good project to do at home with my child?
  Yes, it is a screen-free project that families can build together using cardboard from around the house. The finished game is easy to learn but challenging to master, so everyone can compete.
• What glue should I use with the Serpent Run patterns?
  A standard glue stick works well for sticking the patterns to cardboard. For the best results, ChompShop advises gluing the edges of each piece firmly before cutting.
• Do I need to buy cardboard separately?
  Yes, cardboard is not included in the pack. Everyday cardboard, such as clean packaging boxes, can be used alongside the printed patterns supplied.