Calling all composers

Sit back and take in endless concerts with these easy homemade instruments.

You'll Need

  • Empty containers
  • Foil pie plates
  • Dry rice or beans

Time

30 minutes

Learning Stages

Make musical instruments with your child: a shaker from a frozen orange juice container filled with rice or beans, a drum from an empty oatmeal container or a tambourine from two aluminum pie plates.

Use the instruments to accompany a well-known song, or create a rhythm of your own—and a dance to go with it. Encourage your child to move his or her whole body to the music. Tiptoe to a lullaby, or march to a marching song.