Music Shakers

Materials 

1. Small, empty water bottles with lids
2. Funnels
3. Small sound-producing items (such as beads or small buttons)
4. Tape
5. Markers
6. Stickers
7. Music tapes or CDs
8. Sticks (tongue depressors, craft sticks, and 6-8" pieces of small dowel rods)

Instructions

1. Open the empty bottles to let the insides dry completely. Give one to each child.
2. Show the children how to use a funnel to place the sound-making objects of their choice into their bottles.
3. Screw the lids on tightly and tape for extra security.
4. Let the children decorate the outside of their bottles with permanent markers and stickers.
5. Play music and encourage the children to shake their bottles with the music.
6. Provide small sticks for them to rub on the ridges on the sides of the bottle to make a different sound.
7. If desired, have the children make a classroom set by putting one type of item into each bottle.