Question:
musical instruments
JINGLE BELL GLOVES
Children's Glove
5 Little Jingle Bells
Take an old or new children's glove, the stretchy kind is best, then you sew a jingle bell to the end of each finger. You can get the jingle bells in different sizes or you can do them all the same size. Just wear and shake!
BOTTLE CAP RATTLES
Metal Bottle Caps
Small Piece of Wood
Nails
Another instrument that needs to be made by an adult, however a favorite with the kids. Take metal bottle caps and punch holes in the centers, then nail two back to back (loosely) to a small dowel. Hold the dowel as a handle and shake to the rhythm.
PAPER CUP MARACAS
Take two paper cups and put a handful of rice or beans in one. Tape the two cups together with wide masking tape and shake!
BASS FIDDLE
Coffee Can
Large Dowel or Broomstick
String
Heavy Tape
An adult should make this. (I found it too difficult for the 4-year-olds I made it with, and therefore a frustrating experience.) Punch a hole in the bottom of the coffee can, threading the string through the hole and secure on the inside. Tie the other end of the string to the end of the dowel. (You might want to put some heavy tape on it so it doesn't slide down.) To play it, put one foot on the can to hold it in place, rest the end of the dowel without the string on the coffee can or on the floor, which ever is more comfortable for the child, and tilt the dowel back until the string is tight. Then pluck it!
MUSICAL BOTTLE
Materials Needed:
Empty (and dry) Small Water or Pop Bottle
Colored Rice
Glitter or Sequins
Tape or Glue
Ribbon
Instructions:
Filled a clean, dry water or pop bottle 1/4 - 1/2 full with colored noodles, rice, and glitter. The tape (or glue) the lid on and then tie a ribbon around the neck of the bottle. Turned on the music, dance, and make lots of wonderful noise!
PAN PIPES
Supplies:
Six Straws
Paper, about 1x8
Glue
Markers or Crayons
Let the child color/decorate her piece of paper. Cut or have the child cut the six straws so that they are all different lengths. (None of the lengths should be less than 1".) Now, have the child prearrange the straws from longest to shortest, touching side by side. (Great cognitive exercise.) Put glue on the back of the paper so that the straws will stick to it when dry. The straws must be placed across the paper so that both ends of the straw stick out. One end of the straws should lie even while the other end is at different lengths. Now simply wrap the paper around the center of the straws keeping them flat and let dry.
Play this instrument by holding it in your hands and gently blowing air over the straws - not through. Lips need not touch the straws.
PAPER PLATE TAMBOURINE
2 paper plated
Crayons
Rice
Glue
Decorate the paper plates with bright colorful art. Put one paper plat on a flat surface with the right side up. Place a bit of rice on this plate. Place the second paper plate on top of the first one, right side down. This will make a space in the middle. Glue all around edges. Allow the glue to dry completely before using.
I have seen these taped or stapled shut when time is an issue, however tape is very frustrating for the children and staples are dangerous. Use caution if you choose this method.
GUITAR
A great little guitar can be made with an empty tissue box. Select a rectangular tissue box (I have seen them made with shoeboxes too but are really too big for toddlers). You will also need a paper towel tube and rubber bands and scissors. If you use a box other than a tissue box you will need to cut a hole in the top. Stretch the rubber bands around the box, keeping them over the hole in the top. Glue the paper towel tube to the top of the box forming the arm. You can make an excellent "pic" by cutting a triangle from the side of a plastic milk jug, be sure to round off the corners. Margarine container tops cut into wedges make another good stringed instrument pick.
FINGER CYMBALS
2 Baby Food Jar Lids (or any 2 lids of the same size)
1/4 - 1/2 inch wide elastic
Hammer Nail
Instructions:
Cut two 4-inch pieces of elastic.
Use the hammer and nail to punch a hole in the center of each baby food jar lid. Be sure an adult supervises this. Push both ends of a piece of elastic through each hole.
Tie the ends of the elastic into a knot.
Now you can slip your finger cymbals onto your thumb and pointer finger and make music!
Kid Frequently Asked Questions
How can I make an easy costume?
