What Stimulates: Awe, wonder, and mindfulness
Preparation and materials:
- Toilet paper rolls (inside)
- 1 sheet of paper
- Scotch tape
- Scissors
- Colored pens/crayons and paints
- Small stones, seeds or beads.
Recommended ages:
3 to 5 years
5 to 8 years
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Why is this activity important? Children learn, discover and experience the world through their senses. Music and sound are important tools for children to do this. Music game allows children to express themselves creatively, such as in drawing and painting, and helps to relieve stress. As children experience sound, their ability to admire and marvel at natural sounds is stimulated and they offer them the opportunity to connect with the moment. |
How can you do that:
FOR AGES 3-5 AND 5-8 YEARS:
1. Find a quiet, comfortable space to sit with your child. Get the materials needed for the activity and explain that you are going to make rattles together.
2. First, decorate your rattles together. Spend some time using the markers, paints, or crayons to color the rolls. They can also glue scraps of fabric or paper, for example. Try to encourage your child to do this alone.
3. Now, cover one end with paper and tape around the end of the toilet roll tube to create a covered end. Invite your child to fill the tube with some pebbles, seeds or beads (any small object that makes a sound when it is shaken. Repeat the first process: cover the other end of the roll with paper and tape it so the balls don't come out .
4. Try moving your rattle to hear the sound! You can ask your child:
- Do you like listening to music and moving your body?
- Let's dance together?
- What did we do today? What could we use it for?
- Is there any sound that sounds like your rattle? What is it?
- What kinds of sounds do animals make?
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Tips on how to do this activity in a group Make sure there are enough materials for each child to make a rattle on their own. Plan well in advance and you can ask children to bring their own toilet paper roll. Spend time together after making the rattles play music and dance together! |
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Tip Follow the topic Making Musical Instruments and enjoy the suggestions for making rattles and other musical instruments to play together. At e-Toys and Play you have these and many other play tips! |