NOTE: Today’s post is for the letter “M” as part of the Blogging A to Z Challenge.
Kids love to make music! They can make music out of almost anything, but if you give them an instrument to play, they can put on a real show for you. Here are four easy instruments you can make with your children.
1. Drum
Start with an empty coffee can and remove the lid.
Cut a piece of construction paper big enough to cover the sides of the coffee can. Decorate one side of the construction paper with stamps, coloring, glitter – anything to make it fun. Now tape the construction paper around the can so the design is on the outside. You can put the lid back on and that can be where you drum. Another idea is to turn the coffee can upside down and drum on the aluminum bottom of the coffee can.
No drum is complete without drumsticks! Wrap some fabric around the end of two dowels to make two drumsticks. Try drumming the sticks on the lid and on the bottom to see what different sounds you can make.
2. Kazoo
You will need an empty toilet paper tube, wax paper, a rubber band and a pair of scissors.
Cut a piece of wax paper large enough to cover one of the ends of the toilet paper roll. Attach it to one of the ends of the roll with the elastic band. With the end of your scissors, make a small hole in the roll close the end that is covered with wax paper.
To play the kazoo, just hum into the open end and enjoy the music.
3. Tambourine
You will need two aluminum pie tins or thick paper or plastic plates. Punch holes through the rim of one of the plates all the way around. Use the first paper plate as a pattern to mark where to put holes on the second plate. Now make holes in the second plate, too.
Decorate the bottoms of the plates. Fill one plate with buttons, beans, popcorn kernels, or anything else that makes noise when rattled. Put the plates together and attach them by tying ribbon or string through the holes. Lace the plates together.
To make music, simply shake the tambourine.
4. Comb Buzzer
There is nothing easier to make or more fun to play than a comb buzzer. All you need is a pocket comb and a piece of tissue paper.
Fold the tissue paper over, so it covers both sides of the comb, on the side that has the teeth. To play, put the side with the teeth in your mouth and hum through the tissue paper.
Your kids will enjoy making these instruments for you and they will enjoy playing them even more. So sit back and enjoy the concert!
