Putting on the Teacher Hat

Darren (5) and Evan (2.5) working on their guitars.

This weekend I was able to actually try making musical instruments with a 5 year old and a 2.5 year old. It was interesting because I'd never made either instrument before, but it was fun. I had planned on doing rainsticks and drums, but both were dead set on making guitars, so I had to think on the fly. I was rather proud of myself because they turned out pretty cool. The kids absolutely loved them. I also tested out something I read in the comments section on the rainstick craft. I was worried about using nails with younger kids, and I saw someone mention using tin foil balls instead, so I tried both ways and it was really successful. The nails took more work, and you definitely need strength to get the nails in, but the boys really enjoyed making it. Tin foil was a lot easier because both

could help out, but their "fun vote" definitely went to the nails. They sounded nearly identical, which is neat.

Darren and Evan playing their guitars!

Overall notes:

Guitars would be a fun craft to suggest to make at home, but probably wouldn't do in class because it doesn't make very authentic sounds.

Rainmakers are fun to make, sound neat, and could be worked into a unit on weather. If I have an older class, then they can put their own nails in. If I have a younger class, then I'd most likely choose to use the tin foils balls instead.