Category: Homemade Instruments
Homemade Paper Plane
Need to direct that big energy that has your child throwing objects or themselves all around your house? Me too. Our child is observing the trajectory schema, so they’re studying gravity and learning how objects move through space. We can support this important play by providing our children with appropriate ways to throw objects and…
Homemade Bubble Wand
Watching bubbles float by, and trying to catch them and pop them are all playful ways to help children develop a range of skills. When children blow bubbles they are exercising breath control and a multitude of muscles in their mouth. Research is linked to bubble blowing improving language because of the complexity of mouth…
Homemade Xylophone
Up for a quick DIY xylophone? This up-cycled musical play also doubles as a STEM activity. STEM is a curriculum based on the idea of educating students in four specific disciplines — science, technology, engineering and mathematics. After the musical play, let your little ones immerse themselves in some calming sensory play as they pour…
Homemade Windchime
Up for an easy DIY wind chime? This is the perfect fine motor craft with an in-built threading activity. These types of early years activities help our children with their reading and writing skills later in life. Baby O also shows us that the DIY provides a lovely sensory batting play. What you’ll need: A stick …
Homemade Shaker
Up for an easy DIY shaker? Not long after making these shakers, E and I discovered that they make the PERFECT jellyfish for the song Three Jellyfish. Play along with us here. What you’ll need Toilet paper rolls Wrapping paper Stapler Rice and/or pasta Ribbon or streamers Glue Scissors
Homemade French Horn
Here is a simple DIY. All you’ll need is a piece of hose, a funnel and some duct tape. The Homemade French Horn is excellent for helping your child focus on producing deep and sustained breaths. E and I turned our play into a melodic recognition game. Try it with your own little one as…
Homemade Wrist Bell
Wrist Bells are a wonderful movement instrument. They are the perfect accompaniment for those big gross motor movements or a focused action song. A fundamental principle of the Orff Scheulwerk Approach to music education is that children learn best when they play, dance, create and improvise music. These bells embody those principles by providing children…
Homemade Guiro Sensory Bottle
Hello guiro sensory bottle! Love a good DIY? We do too, especially when the process and result are packed with learning. Sensory bottles are a wonderful tool for helping children calm themselves and regulate their emotions. This homemade instrument provides an opportunity for language development, fine motor skills, science and maths skills and of course,…
Homemade Tambourine
All you need is some cardboard, string and bells and you’re on your way to making a tambourine. I love the gentle sound the bells make. Could you design other shapes? What you’ll need Cardboard String Bells Scissors Paint & Paint Brush Pen (to poke holes)
Homemade Monkey Drum
What you’ll need Used ribbon wheel Tape for decorating Pencil or stick Hot glue gun String Beads or buttons Scissors