Even the simplest things can be a part of creative, everyday musical fun with your child!
Have you ever shown your kids how to make a simple blade of grass into a whistle that sounds like a duck call? If this wasn’t one of your childhood games, don’t worry. It’s easy to learn and a great way to share creative play with your child.
What Do You Need?
Only three things! A blade of grass, preferably a longer thin one, two thumbs and a bit of patience. And as you try this activity, you might want to notice that you’re actually making a simple version of the type of reed found in woodwind instruments such as saxophones, clarinets and oboes.
How To Do It!
Although this seems easy, it does take some time to get the right sound, so don’t give up if it doesn’t work the first few times! Place your two thumbs together, leaving space between them like you see in the above picture.
Next choose a long, thin piece of grass, and stretch it between your thumbs, making it as tight as you can. The grass should look as if it is dividing the space between your thumbs.
Then, put your mouth up to your thumbs and blow gently. A loud, squawking sound should emerge that sounds like a duck. If not, adjust the grass, try another blade of grass or change your mouth position until you get the whistling sound.
With a bit of practice, you can be a “duck call” pro in no time! Here’s what it might sound like:
Making Music From Natural Items
Love spending time outdoors or in nature? Here are some related musical crafts that you might enjoy:
Take A Nature Walk – Make A Recycled Rattle
http://tinytappingtoes.wordpress.com/2012/03/26/take-a-nature-walkmake-a-recycled-rattle/
10 Earth Day Music Crafts From Recycled Materials https://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Reduce-Reuse-Recycle-Rock-Out-E-Book-With-10-Musical-Activities-653502
Almost every parent has had the experience of giving their child a special present and finding that they were more excited about playing with the box. So, why fight it? With the holidays bringing so many different size and shape packages to your doorstep, it’s a great time to have a little musical fun by creating instruments called rattle boxes. If you add textured fabric or paper as you decorate them, it becomes a musical and sensory experience as well!
Make Your Box Rattle! 
Shake, Rattle and Roll Away!
Have you ever seen Spanish castanets? Traditional ones are beautifully crafted or carved from wood and often painted with themes like the Spanish countryside or elegant dancers. Playing the castanets is a fun way of allowing a child to develop a sense of rhythm, fine motor skills and also a great way to explore the music and culture of Spain.
This craft is so easy that even an adult can do it! Feel free to learn and play along with your child. Simply put the button castanets between your thumb and first finger and click away. Play fast, slow, or tap back and forth between the left hand and right hand. Click or clack along to a favorite song or rhyme or put on a recording of music that you love. See if you can match the beat you hear or create a new one that works with the song.
This week we wanted to share a guest post and a wonderfully simple musical craft and activity from Cari at Time For Play – Button Gloves!
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