Musical instrument activities for kids to make at home

No matter the reason, rain, snow, or just “have to stay indoor” days, have materials ready for activities for the kids to make at home. Why not start your own mariachi band with rhythm instruments the children can make from recycled materials? So, bring out the art box, and together enjoy making homemade musical instruments that the kids can use to march around the house, or put on a show for the family.

Maracas are gourd-shaped rattles filled with seeds or pebbles. The instruments are shaken to produce rhythmic effects and can be played singly or by holding one maraca in each hand. Kids can use clean, empty plastic water bottles for homemade maracas. Simply fill the bottles halfway with rice, dried beans, or small pebbles. The bottles can be decorated with permanent markers and/or stickers. To prevent small children from spilling the contents, run a bead of glue inside the lid before screwing it back on.

Castanets are concave pieces of wood which may be held in the palm of the hand and clicked together to make interesting sounds, especially for dancing to. To make a homemade castanet cut heavy cardboard into a strip measuring 1-inch by 6-inches. Invite the children to decorate the cardboard with markers or tempera paint. Fold the cardboard in half. Glue a round metal washer on the inside of each end of the castanet. It’s best to use a low-temperature glue gun for this part. When finished, the kids can hold the folded end of the strip in one hand and click the metal washers together by squeezing the cardboard.

Drums are among the oldest and most commonly used instruments. They were originally made from hollow logs and beaten with the hands to create rhythms for dances. Taping two oatmeal containers or two coffee cans together can make easy bongos. Invite your little artists to decorate the drums as they wish. Hold the bongos between the knees and tap the bottoms of the drums with the hands to make rhythmic sounds.

The plastic shell sides of a tambourine include metal disks mounted in pairs to make unique sounds as the instrument is shaken or struck with the hand. Children can use paper plates and jingle bells to make a homemade tambourine. Let the kids draw a picture or design on the plate with art materials. Then, punch several holes around the edge of the plate. Thread string into jingle bells and tie them to the holes of the plate. Have your youngsters shake, tap and play to the beat of some salsa music.

Are you planning to make coquitos for dessert? Save the coconut shell and the kids can make clappers with the two halves. An adult needs to cut the coconut in half with a saw. Drain the milk and hull the coconut meat for your cooking. Show the kids how to sand the coconut shell to make it smooth and then they can paint the exterior with paints. When dry, the children can hold one-half in each hand and tap the cut edges together to create hollow wood sounds.

Making and using simple rhythm instruments are awesome activities for kids to make at home and can be a real source of pleasure and satisfaction. Put on some lively music and get the kids marching, singing, and shout Ole!