Popcorn Maracas

[15 Minutes]

The making of homemade musical instruments offers children fun, hands-on experience with materials and is musically educational as well!

You'll need:

• plastic 35mm film container • Popsicle stick • dried popcorn kernels • glue • stickers (musical, if available) • marker • spray paint (optional)

What to do:

1. An adult can spray paint the film container if desired.
2. Cut a small slit into the lid of the film container.
3. Invite your child to fill the film container one-fourth full of popcorn kernels.
4. Together, help your child run a bead of glue inside the container lid. Place the lid on top of the container and let dry.
5. With guidance, your child can write her name on the Popsicle stick with a marker. She can then slide the stick into the slit on the container lid.
6. Encourage your child to decorate her new maraca with stickers.
7. She can now hold the stick firmly and shake the maraca to make wonderful sounds.

How to use:

1. Make several maracas for the entire family. Play shakers as you sing this song together. (Tune: "Let Everyone Clap Hands Like Me")

2. Let's play the maracas like me. (shake, shake)
   Let's play the maracas like me. (shake, shake)
   Come on and join into the game.
   You'll find that it's always the same. (shake, shake)

Let's Talk: Ideas to Explore Together.

• Why does the maraca make noise when you shake it?
• Is the sound loud? Is it soft?
• What else could you put inside the container to make noise?

Useful information:

While you are having fun together, this activity helps your child develop small muscle skills, listening skills and an introduction to the concepts of music.