How to Create a Paper Plate Rhythmic Shaker

Creating a paper plate rhythmic shaker allows children the opportunity to explore a fun and artistic way to make music. A paper plate rhythmic shaker is art, music and rhythm all wrapped into a handmade instrument that kids love to make and play.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper plates
• Decorating supplies
• Un-popped popcorn, sand or other item to create the sound
• Glue, tape or staples

1. Decorate the tops of two paper plates using decorating supplies such as crayons, markers, paint, glitter, pompoms or construction paper.

2. Lay one of the decorated paper plates upside down on the table. Make sure the decorated side of the paper plate is facing down on the table.

3. Place a hand full of dried items on the paper plate. It works best to use dried beans, un-popped popcorn, dried rice, sand or dry cereal.

4. Spread glue around the rim of the paper plate.

5. Position the other paper plate on top of the bottom paper plate. Make sure the decorated side of the paper plate is facing up. Align the edges of the paper plates.

6. Allow the glue to dry around the rim of the shaker. It may take a couple of hours or even all night, depending on the type of glue you used.

7. Let the children shake it up. They can shake their shaker up and down, side to side and round and around to the rhythm of their favorite song, or they can make up their own song. Teach the kids how to play it.

Tips & Warnings

• Use tape or staples instead of glue to seal the edge of the shaker.
• Add bells, long pieces of ribbon or paper streamers around the edge of the shaker to make a tambourine.
• For a loud shaker, try using tin pie pans in place of paper plates.