Instructions for Rainsticks

Rainstick

(Set up: 5 minutes, Duration: 10-15 minutes)

What is a rainstick?

A rainstick is a percussion instrument that makes the sound

of falling rain when tilted. Historically, it was made from a hollowed out dried cactus branch filled with small pebbles. Tribesmen in Chile used it in ceremonies to bring rain.

You will need:

• Cardboard tube (paper towel or gift wrap roll)
• Nails (approximately 40)
• Dried rice
• Tape
• Large sheet of paper (fit to wrap around cardboard tube)
• Two small squares of fabric
• Two elastic bands
• Decorating tools (paints, stickers, felts, etc)

Instructions

1. With the help of an adult, carefully poke the nails into the cardboard tube so that only the nail head is visible from the outside.

2. Decorate the large sheet of paper however you l

ike. Be creative!

3. Wrap paper around cardboard tube, taping securely.

4. Cover one end of the tube with one piece of fabric and sec

ure with elastic band.

5. Fill the tube with about 2 cups of dried rice.

6. Cover the remaining end of tube with other piece of fabric and secure with the other elastic band.

7. Try slowly turning your rain stick from horizontal.

Alterations

If you are in a primary classroom and don’t have a lot of adult supervision, tin foil can be used instead of nails. Crush the tin foil into different sized balls and fill the cardboard tube until approximately 1.5 inches from the top.

I used a Pringles container instead of a cardboard tube. This works as well, except you need to use a hot glue gun to secure the cap.