Skip to main content

Sound Cans

Get the Book

The GIANT Encyclopedia Of Learning Center Activities For Children 3 to 6

Buy the Book
The GIANT Encyclopedia Of Learning Center Activities For Children 3 to 6

Materials

  • one or more large cans (such as a coffee can) with a secure lid
  • various materials to put in cans (such as an eraser, cotton ball, cotton swab, paper clip, crayon, seashell, small rock, puzzle piece, and so on)

 

What to do

1. Put different items into each can and replace the lid. Decorate the cans, if desired.

2. Introduce the activity by shaking one can, listening to the sound, guessing what is inside, and removing the lid to check.

3. Sing the following song as the children explore the cans.


What Is in That Can? by Jean Lortz
(tune: "Where, Oh Where has My Little Dog Gone?")
Oh, what, oh, what is in that can?
Oh, what, oh, what can it be?
Oh, shake, oh, shake oh shake that can.
Oh, what, oh, what, can it be?
Oh, take, oh, take the lid off the can.
Oh, what, oh, what do you see?

 

-Jean Lortz, Sequim, WA

Instructions

1. Put two to three items in each bottle and fill the bottle two-thirds with sand.
If desired, choose items that relate to the weekly theme.
2. Encourage the children to tilt the bottles to discover the hidden treasures.
3. With older children, write on the bottle: "Can you find ____?" Glue pictures of
the hidden items on index cards so children will know what to search for.

Elevate your lesson planning: Download this easy activity today!

Make the most of your instructional time with this fun and adaptable activity. Crafted from our experts in early childhood theory and best practice, this downloadable resource offers play-based activities that will help your students reach learning objectives.