Lillian Foxx, a student in Winona, MN, offers this fun maraca making lesson.

Objectives:

Emotional Objective
Pleasure in discovery and accomplishment.

Physical Objective
Use of fine motor, large motor, coordination, tactile experience.

Cognitive Objective
Deciding where to put newspaper squares (spatial intelligence).

Other Disciplines:

What You Need:

• newspaper
• flour (best if wheat-based but can use any kind)
• water
• balloons
• paint
• seeds/rice
• unsharpened pencils
• masking tape

What You Do:

1. Cover table with newspaper.

2. Pour flour into bowl in middle of table.

3. Pour in water (enough to make thin, oatmeal consistency).

4. Everyone put hands in and mix.

5. Pick a balloon (already inflated).

6. Dunk balloon in paste, covering it completely, or use hands to smear paste on.

7. Put balloon on table, wipe off hands.

8. Paper with newspaper squares (1 in x 1 in).

9. After finishing two-three layers of newspaper, leave to dry.

10. Next session: fill maracas with seeds or rice.

11. Attach pencil to base with masking tape (using thin strips).

12. Paint entire maraca, including masking tape and leave to dry.

13. Play maracas!!!

Recommended Products:

African-Style Maracas Craft Kit (pk/8) Recreate the rhythmic sounds of the African continent. Fun to mak e and a great musical activity! Includes balloons, wooden dowels, newsprint strips, non-toxic decoupage finish, glue and acrylic paint, plastic beads, brushes and instructions. 10".