Simple Rhythm Instruments
By Jean Warren
RHYTHM STICKS For rhythm sticks you can use two paper towel tubes, two wooden spoons or two wooden dowels. Children
play rhythm sticks by rubbing or tapping the two sticks together in tune to the music.
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SANDPAPER
BLOCKS
Cover wooden blocks or paper towel tubes with sandpaper. Children play the blocks or sticks by rubbing two
together.
DRUMS
Simple drums can be made with old coffee or other cans that come with a plastic lid. Old paint cans can also
be used. Make a neck strap for the drum by punching a hole on each side of the can at the top and running a
36 inch string through the can and tying the ends together. A great set of bongo drums can be made for your
child by taping together two or three oatmeal boxes. Children play the drums by tapping on them with their
hands or with a mallet.
MALLETS
Mallets or drumsticks can be made by wrapping foam around the end of a stick and taping it on. You can also
wedge a wooden bead onto the end of a pencil. If the bead is too large, wrap tape around the pencil until you
get a snug fit when you slip on the bead. Rubber tips for chairs or canes also work well attached to a stick of
some sort.
MARACAS
Paper Cup Maraca—A simple maraca can be made for young children by taking two paper cups or tin cans
and putting some beans or rice in one and then taping the other cup upside-down on top of the first cup. You
could have your children decorate their maracas with small paper streamers attached to each end or else just
leave them plain. Children play the maraca by shaking it to the tune of the music.
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Lemon Maraca—You can make a lemon maraca for your child if you happen to have a plastic lemon
container. When the container is empty, remove the plug, rinse, let dry and put some rice inside. Insert a large
pencil or wooden spoon into the neck and tape together securely.
Paper Sack or Balloon Maracas— Two other quick maracas are beans or rice in a paper sack taped
securely at the top and a medium-sized balloon with 3-5 paper clips stuck in, then blown up and knotted
securely.
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BELLS
Wrist Bells—You can make a simple bell bracelet for your child by stringing three to four bells onto a
large pipe cleaner and then twisting it around into a bracelet.
Bell Mitts—Make a hand mitt out of cotton or felt material for your child. Sew two bells onto the top.
Children play the bell mitt by wearing it on one hand and then clapping their hands together.
Bells On Pole— String three or four bells together with string or yarn. Knot one end and let it hang free.
Tape the other end to a piece of dowel or safe stick. Children play the bells by shaking the pole or
tapping it with their hand.
CYMBALS
Simple cymbals can be made from two metal or aluminum pie plates. Wooden knobs or blocks can be
nailed onto metal pie plates to serve as handles. Pipe cleaner handles can be attached to aluminum pans.
Children play the cymbals by striking the two pans together.
FINGER CYMBALS
You will need two identical jar lids. Baby food lids work well. With a nail, hammer two holes through
each lid. Next, make finger handles with pipe cleaners. You can make the handles either for one or two
fingers. Finger cymbals are placed on each hand and struck together in tune to the music.
CASTANETS
Lid Castanets—These can be made the same as the finger cymbals only using smaller jar lids. Lid
castanets are played by placing one on your middle finger and one on your thumb and tapping them
together.
Cardboard Castanets— Another easy way to make castanets is to use thick cardboard. Cut out a small
rectangle piece, then glue a small jar lid or bottle cap onto each end. Fold the rectangle piece of
cardboard in half. Children play the castanets by pressing the ends of the folded cardboard together.
Small finger grip holes can be put on each side if your child finds it hard to manipulate.
TAMBOURINES
Stick Tambourine—These can be made by hammering bottle caps onto a straight flat stick. Nail two or
three caps with each nail. Use two or three nails. It can be played by shaking the stick or tapping the
unnailed side on your palm.
Embroidery Hoop— Bottle caps or buttons can be wired across the middle of a metal or wooden
embroidery hoop. Secure each end with tape to prevent the wire from slipping. Two bottle caps wired
together can also be wrapped around and hung from the rim of the hoop. Be sure to cover all wire ends
with tape for safety. If you do not have an embroidery hoop you can make a plastic hoop by cutting the
center out of a plastic lid. Children play the tambourine by holding it in one hand and tapping it on the
palm of the other hand, or by shaking it.
©Jean Warren, 1985
Totline Parent Flyer
January, Series B
Ideas for the “Totline” Parent Flyers are taken from back issues of the “Totline” Activity Newsletter.
WARREN PUBLISHING HOUSE • P.O. Box 2255 • Everett, WA 98203