Instrument Making (Maracas)

Practice: The teacher brings different materials in different dimensions to the class. (Lentils, chickpeas, powder sugar, foam cups, tape).  Different materials are placed into the foam cups. The different sounds made by these materials are emphasized. Different things are put into each cup. An empty cup is placed upon a full one to cover it. Then they are taped. Then, the materials in the cups are guessed by shaking. A discussion is made about which one is thinner and which one is thicker. After that, these maracas are placed on the table and the children take turns, shake them and recognize what might be inside by their sounds. They then sing a song and make a beat with these maracas.