Make Your Own Musical Shakers

Shake, Shake, Shake

It’s time to make some music! Today, we are going to make a shaker out of common household items. This craft is a great way to practice a variety of skills while making the shaker and after you finish. Watch the video from our Musical Therapist to learn more. 

 

Click here for the video! 

 

Materials:

  • An empty cylinder (toilet paper/paper towel roll, soda can, etc)
  • Plastic wrap
  • Rubber bands
  • Something to fill your shaker (noodles, beans, rice, beads, etc)
  • Things to decorate your shaker! (stickers, markers, paint, etc)

 

To remember while making the shaker:

  • Encourage your child’s independence and creativity! 
  • This is a great way to practice sequencing:
    • Ex: What do we need to do first before we can fill the shaker? 
  • Filling the shaker can be used to practice scooping or pouring! 

 

Step-by-Step:

  • Stretch a piece of plastic wrap over the bottom of the cylinder
  • Secure with a rubber band
  • Scoop items into the shaker using a spoon
  • Cover the top of the cylinder with plastic wrap
  • Secure with another rubber band
  • Express your creativity by decorating the shaker!

 

Ways to use the shaker:

  • Play Simon Says to practice following directions, motor imitation, and learning opposites. “Simon Says, shake fast/slow! Simon Says, shake up/down!”
  • Play along to favorite music for a fun sensory break!
  • If you make multiple shakers, fill them with different things (for example, one with noodles and one with rice.) Have your child close their eyes while you shake one. Can they guess what it’s filled with?

 

There are so many fun ways that you can use the shaker and make music around the house! Have fun and happy shaking!

 

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