Materials
Cylinders of all sizes and materials (oatmeal containers, large and small coffeecans, Pringles cans, empty plastic toy containers, soup cans, and other emptyfood cans) Phillips head screwdriver hammer yarn the CD "Rhythm Basket" or other percussion music
Instructions
1. Make sure the cylinders are clean and that all the edges of the cans are safe. Poke two holes in the tops of some of the cylinders using a screwdriver and hammer. String yarn through the holes so that the item can be easily carried.
2. If available, listen to the CD "Rhythm Basket" (familiar children's songs played completely with percussion instruments). If you don't have a copy of this CD, play other percussion music.
3. Have a discussion about the songs, focusing on the beat, tempo, patterns in the song, and so on.
4. Add the cylinders to your music area and encourage the children to explore the sounds that the different materials make.
5. Challenge the children to keep the beat to their favorite songs. Encourage them to work with a friend and make music together.
