Shake, rattle and bang! Children love to play these kid-create instruments.

Vera Flaig, a teacher with The Royal Conservatory of Music's Learning Through the Arts Partnership in Toronto, shows kids how to make simple instruments. “There are no rules, no right and wrong ways to play, so the kids find their own way to make different sounds,” she says. "Because it's their discovery, it builds curiosity for other instruments."

Cabasa-Guiro

You need:

•Clean, dry 10 oz (284 mL) or 14 oz (398 mL) tin can with ridged side, label removed and rim sanded smooth
• 10 to 15 cm (4- to 6-in) length of sturdy paper-towel tube
• 100 to 175 wood or plastic beads, approx 10 mm (3/8 in) in diameter (holes must
accommodate elastic)
• 1.50 to 2.50 m looping elastic (available at some sewing and craft supply stores)
•White craft glue and scissors
•Acrylic paint and paintbrush

To make:

1. Lightly sand can side. On top edge of tube, cut 4 evenly spaced 2 mm (3/4 -in) slits straight down, then bend edge down, forming 4 flaps. Position can, open end down. For handle, centre top edge of tube on can base. Glue on flaps (press for 5 minutes; let set overnight).

2. Brush on 2 coats of paint; let dry for 45 minutes after each. Cut elastic into 4 or 5 lengths, each approx 30 cm (11-7/8 in) for small can or 40 cm (15-3/4 in) for large can. On each, string "necklace" of 25 to 35 beads; with overhand knot, tie ends together. Stack necklaces around tin.

To play:
Holding handle, rub fingertips up and down over beads (beads roll over ridges, creating sound).

Drum

You need:

•Clean, dry 2-lb (1 kg) coffee can with rim sanded smooth and label sanded off
•Clear packing tape, 48 mm wide
Acrylic paint and paintbrush
•Foam stamps or sponge
•Wooden spoon, chopsticks or pencils (optional)

To make:

1. With ends extending 2.5 cm (1 in) down from rim, and sides overlapping slightly, stretch parallel strips of tape taut across open end of can. Perpendicular to first strips, stretch second series of strips to complete drum head. With top edge at rim, wrap strip of tape once around can, covering tape ends.

2. Brush on 2 coats of background colour (paint spoon, too, if desired); let dry for 45 minutes after each. Brush, stamp or sponge on contrasting stripes or shapes. Let dry.

To play:

Beat drum head (or metal side or base) with hands, or strike with spoon, chopsticks or pencils.

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Page 1 of 2 -- On page 2: More great musical activities!

Sing a song that everyone knows - or create a chant by reciting a nursery rhyme or poem. Play along to a regular beat. Call out the syllables of each child's name in an irregular rhythm such as “slow, slow, fast, slow." Play along.

For drummers, try "side, side, drum head, side, shh!, side, side, drumhead, side" (adding a silent beat gives a cool off-beat rhythm).

Found Sounds

Line up various wineglasses (must be very thin plain glass or crystal with nearly sharp, unchipped rims) filled with varying amounts of water. Hold down 1 wineglass base. Dip a fingertip (on other hand) into water, then, with light, even pressure, circle it around and around rim until glass starts to “ring." Flaig suggests having several children do this simultaneously. "When they hear the sounds, their eyes just pop out of their heads," she says. 'It's magical."

Looking for more great March Break activities?
Fun March Break crafts
Get the most out of March Break
Keep kids busy with March Break activities

Page 2 of 2