First it was subzero and snow, now it’s frigid and raining. It’s been hard to be outside very long. My kids (twin 4 year olds) are going crazy and I am going crazy. Time to start breaking out the random recycled crafts.  So every afternoon I’m going to try to make an art or craft project with the kids. They already have crayons and paper always available, so it needs to be more than that.

Day 1:   Rainy Day Recycled Maracas / Shakers For Kids

Time: 30 min plus dance party
Level: 4 yo found it mostly easy but loved it.
Limitations: Small parts. Use food items for the rattle if kids still eat thing
Creativity Level: Mid to low
Easy Party Craft: YES!
Recycling / RePurpose: YES!
Decibels: Loud
Fine Motor Skills: YES!
Messy: Low
Music and Movement: Music will happen. Easy Dance tie in.
Add-Ons: Mexico Lesson. Play some mariachi music, watch flamenco dancing, make tacos. Some Videos linked at the end.

Supplies:

• 1 plastic drink container per kid. I opted for plastic water bottles.  Soda pop bottles would also work great. A medicine bottle would work too. Just make sure the lids can’t just pop off.
• Noise making: Something small and hard to make noise.  I re-purposed plastic pony beads, used for other crafts. Some other good options include: wooden beads, popcorn (unpopped), rice, shelled corn, and dried bean.
• Decorations: I used a sticky shipping label that I had. Paper and tape work great too.  1/2 sheet (8.5×5.5) goes around an average water bottle
• Bottle seal: This is optional, but I suggest that you either tape the lid on or use super glue to seal it.

Time to create:

1. Pull label off the water bottle. Let your kid do it. Help them start it if needed.
2. Is it still wet inside? If it was soda, you might want to rinse it out. Stick a paper towel mostly inside and have your kid shake it.  Then pull the paper towel out. It should be a little damp. Perfect for clean up at the end. So set it aside
3. Pour the loud material into a bowl or tray. One big bowl if your kids share, or each can get their own bowl.
4. Time to put the loud into the bottle. Let them do it. Try not to help.
   • They pick: how far to fill the bottle
   • They pick: The exact pieces they want inside. My son used all brown beads with one purple.  My daughter used every color.
   • They pick: The sound. Help them try out the sound as you go till it sounds “perfect”
   • Assistance? Resist the urge to get a funnel to help unless your kid needs some adaptive help or you are using rice. For rice, I’d suggest a funnel and spoons.
   • 
5. Put the lid on and make sure its done. Have a shaking dance party to check.
6. Set the shakers aside, get out the paper/labels and crayons/markers. This photo also includes the birthday cards they were making to go with the shakers. 
7. Let them color/paint/or draw on the paper or labels till they are done.
   • Optional value added moments
   • Show them images of Mexican art for inspiration
   • Ask them to include a certain shape they are learning
   • Ask them to mix color and see what happens.
   • PRO TIP: When markers dry up from having the caps left off, they become water markers. This cup has a very small amount of water in the bottom to re-wet the markers. Note, you may need extra time to dry the art when finished. 
8. While they color glue or tape the lids on.
9. Add the bottle decorations. Let them help you rub the tape or label to get it to stick well.
10. Start the music and have a dance party
11. Pull up a YouTube video and watch and Mariachi band. (Link videos have been screened and approved for my kids.)
12. Add a video of flamenco dancing. (Link videos have been screened and approved for my kids.)
13. Make it a whole theme and talk about Pinatas or make one. Or talk about the other musical instruments, or make another type. Make Tacos for dinner (yum)