Kids love musical instruments! They are intrigued by the fun sounds they can create by
playing music, and with supplies you already have, you can help your
child make their very own maracas that they will never tire of!
For This Activity You Will Need:
Please keep in mind that these supplies are suggestions and can be substituted
- Plastic Spoons
- Plastic Empty Easter Eggs
- Aluminum Foil
- Small Dry Beans, Dry Rice
- Duct tape/Painters Tape
- Markers
Let’s Get Shakin’:
Music is beneficial for kids in so many ways, such as developing fine and gross motor
skills and hand eye coordination. For more information, look at this article from Carnegie
Hall called “Why Making Music Matters”
To start, take two small plastic spoons and lay them on your craft surface. Take your open plastic Easter egg and help your child fill it with one, or several of the items listed above.
Close the Easter egg and place it between the two spoons (with the inside of the spoons against the egg). Tape together to hold in place.
Take a sheet of aluminum foil and wrap around the top of the two spoons to create an oval shape. Once the top is wrapped take your tape and start at the bottom of the spoons wrapping all the way up to the top, completely covering the newly made maraca. To make it unique, you can have your child decorate it with markers, or use other colored tape to make designs. Let your child have fun shaking the bottle! Even infants can enjoy this activity by watching the maraca being shaken and listening to the noise.
Store Away for Next Time:
Because the supplies are made up of odds and ends, any extras will be easy to put
away! Plus, the maracas themselves will last for a long time so just store it in a special
spot until your next music lesson!
With such an easy project and big benefits, there’s no reason not to incorporate music
into your routine! So next time you need to fill some time, grab some buttons and beads
and shake, shake, shake!