Instructions for Maracas

Maracas

(Set up: 1 hour, Duration: at least 2-3 classes of 30 minutes each)

You will need:

• Balloon
• Beans
• Tape (painter’s tape works best)
• Toilet paper tube
• Flour
• Water (boiling)
• Newspaper (cut into strips)
• Decorating tools

Paper Mache Mix

Mix equal parts boiling water and flour until mixture is smooth. Add a tsp of cinnamon for a nicer smell, and ½ tsp of salt to stop moulding.

Instruction

1. With the help of a friend, use a funnel to put a handful of beans into the
balloon.

2. With the help of an adult, blow up the balloon and tie in a tight knot.

3. Take the toilet paper tube and cut strips about a thumb length long along the
top of the tube. Tape to the underside of the balloon.

4. Cover the balloon and toilet paper role with paper mache. To do this, dip newspaper strips into paper mache mixture, taking off extra mix, and then putting on balloon. May need to do several layers.

5. Set aside dry for 2-3 days.

6. Decorate with paint, stickers, markers, or construction paper

Week One

Just typing in "instruments to make in a classroom" into google has given me a ton of results! I didn't realize there were so many excellent projects out there. A lot of the ones I found I don't think would be appropriate however, as the supply list would be too expensive. The following three are my ones I could see myself making with students:

Maracas : I remember using these in my school, they were always my favourite instrument! It's mostly made out of things you have a home, old newspaper, flour, toilet paper rolls and then just decorative supplies.

Rainstick: This would be fun to use during a unit on weather! If I were to use them in my class, however, I'd make sure to put the nails in the tube before bringing them to the class.

Rhythm Sticks: I have a large package of old beads that I used to make beaded bracelets with, so this craft would be fun and inexpensive. They also apparently sound like crickets, so it could be used in a unit on bugs.