Colorful Cardboard Tube Instruments

There are many reasons why music is important to child development and should therefore be incorporated in the classroom. In many cases, children raised in music-rich cultures develop learning as well as communication skills more quickly than other children, have high self-esteem, and score highly on both classwork and aptitude tests. Participating in music also provides children with a sense of cohesiveness and builds teamwork. These are just a few of the reasons why music is important in the classroom. Incorporating music in the classroom can be as simple as listening to a favorite song to start the morning or playing a fun CD during free play. Circle time also provides a fantastic opportunity for singing, playing instruments, learning new rhymes, tapping out rhythms, etc.

Have any cardboard tubes in the recycle bin? How about inviting your students to make instruments that can be used at the pretend play station and as a group. We found these adorable {and dynamically colorful!} cardboard tube instruments at No Monsters in My Bed and thought they'd be a perfect fit - for encouraging musical development and heralding in the colorful spring season! Darcy, mother and creator of the site, suggests creating shakers, kazoos, bass bogs, and anything else your imaginations can come up with! To make a shaker, here are the...

Supplies You'll Need

• Recycled cardboard tubes {old wrapping paper or paper towel tubes}
• Kids craft paint in vibrant colors
• Unpopped popcorn
• Cellophane
• Craft glue
• Rubber bands

Let your kiddos have a heyday decorating the outside of the tube with paint, stickers, stamps, gems, glitter, and other craft embellishments. When finished {and dry!}, place a small line of glue on one end of the tube, wrap with a 4" x 4" square of colored cellophane, and secure with a rubber band. Place a quarter cup of unpopped popcorn kernels into the other end of the tube and repeat the process to secure it. Let the music making begin!

Resources:

• Munchkins And Music
• No Monsters in My Bed: Things to Make - Cardboard Tube Instruments (From the Recycling Bin)