How to Make a Tambourine From Foil

Children can make their own tamborine to play music.

Create a homemade instrument to introduce children in preschool through first grade to music. One such instrument is the tambourine. The tambourine is a percussion instrument commonly made with either wood or plastic; however, young children can make a simple tambourine out of foil. When they tap the homemade tambourine, it makes music just like a real tambourine.

Things You'll Need

• 2 tin foil pie plates
• Beads, marbles, rice, buttons or beans
• Glue
• Book
• Paints, ribbons or stickers

Instructions

1. Set one pie tin in front of you and place 1 cup of beads, marbles, rice, buttons or beans inside of it.

2. Cover the entire pie tin rim with glue. Invert the second pie tin and lay it over the first pie tin so that the rims press together.

3. Place a book on top of the second pie tin to apply pressure to the rims. Wait 1 to 2 hours for the glue to dry.

4. Decorate your homemade tambourine with either paints, ribbons or stickers.

Tips & Warnings

• If you don't have tin foil pie plates, you can use two paper plates instead, stapling them instead of glueing them.

• Consider creating a few other homemade instruments so the kids can form their first band.

• Watch that the children don't try to put the contents of the tambourine in their mouths, as they can be a choking hazard.

References

• Tooth and Puddle Production: Make Your Own Musical Instruments
• A to Z Kids Stuff: Music