Feeling musical, thrifty, and crafty? Wanting a new activity to do with your little ones, yet not wanting to make a mess? You have come to the right place for some simple inspiration! I have crafted four, minimal-mess, DIY instruments that only involve a few steps. The best part is that these are budget-friendly, meaning you can find the materials needed in your own home and/or at the dollar store to make these items. Happy crafting!
Materials Needed: - Loaf pan (or any square or rectangular food storage container) - Rubber bands
Domain Areas Addressed:
- Fine motor skills
How to:
- Stretch the rubber bands around the pan or container. Larger rubber bands will stretch around the length of the pan; however, you can fit a variety of sizes around the width of the container more easily. To play, pluck the rubber bands like strings!
Materials Needed: - Plastic eggs (with opening) - Rubber bands - Beads - Tape (I used Washi tape)
Additional Materials (if desired):
- Art supplies (i.e. painting materials) to decorate the egg shakers
Domain Areas Addressed:
- Gross motor skills
How to:
- Fill the eggs with beads, tape them shut, decorate to your preference, and shake it up!
Materials Needed: - Two containers with lids (can be cardboard or plastic) - Art supplies to decorate the bongos with (I used Washi tape; however, feel free to use paint or other crafty supplies if you have the time and resources)
Additional Materials (if desired): - Hot glue gun and glue to fasten the containers together
Domain Areas Addressed:
- Gross motor skills
How to:
- Decorate the two containers to your preference and beat that drum!
Materials Needed: - Paper towel roll
- Rubber bands
- Beads and/or rice
- Thick paper (i.e. index cards) or cloth to enclose both ends
Additional Materials (if desired): - Art supplies to decorate the bongos with (I used Washi tape; however, feel free to use paint or other crafty supplies if you have the time and resources)
Domain Areas Addressed:
- Gross motor skills, sensory integration, and mood regulation
How to:
- Secure one end of the paper towel roll with the thick paper or cloth and a rubber band. Pour the beads and/or rice into the paper towel roll. Secure the other end with your thick paper or cloth and a rubber band. Decorate to your preference and let the rain come down!