![[Childcare] Enjoy handmade tambourines with the children](https://i.ytimg.com/vi_webp/442k3bVJklI/maxresdefault.webp)
[Childcare] Enjoy handmade tambourines with the children
How about making homemade tambourines and enjoying a fun music time with the children?
Here, we’ll share ideas for DIY tambourines you can make with everyday items like paper plates and plastic bottle caps.
For decoration, stickers or drawings are great for showcasing each child’s personality.
Once they’re finished, tap along to the rhythm together, sing, and create a joyful time that brings out children’s smiles—both in daily childcare and at events!
[Childcare] Let's enjoy handmade tambourines with the children (1–10)
Better Sound! Tambourine
Let’s make a tambourine using plastic bottle caps.
When you think of a tambourine, you probably imagine hitting it to make sound.
Here, we’ll introduce how to make a tambourine that produces sound just by shaking the body.
Pair two caps together, put uncooked rice inside, and secure them.
Next, use a paper plate cut in half to fasten the rice-filled caps.
Besides rice, you can also try small pebbles or small beans for variations.
You can enjoy making it unique by drawing your favorite pictures or patterns on the paper plate.
Try shaking it horizontally rather than vertically—it makes sound more easily.
Tambourine you can make with things at home
Here’s an idea for making a tambourine using items you have at home.
You’ll need a round container from a six-piece cheese pack, jingle bells, string, animal-themed templates, colored construction paper, origami paper, scissors, and glue or double-sided tape.
Even if children don’t recognize it as a musical instrument, this works as a special sound-making toy that infants can enjoy.
The cute animal motifs will spark children’s interest and curiosity.
Let’s make sounds freely and have fun playing along with music and rhythm!
Tambourine using 100-yen shop items
Here’s a budget-friendly tambourine you can make with supplies from the 100-yen shop! It’s easy to put together, so try making it with your kids.
First, prepare two paper plates and trim off the rims.
Put beads or similar materials inside, then staple the two plates together.
Cover the staples by wrapping duct tape all the way around the edge—and you’re done! To prevent accidental swallowing of the beads, this craft is recommended for ages 3 and up.
Decorating with washi tape or pens makes it even cuter! Create a one-of-a-kind tambourine and have fun with the kids.
Tambourine made with paper plates
Here’s an idea for a DIY tambourine using paper plates, which are easy-to-find materials.
It’s easy to customize with decorations you like, so why not try making it with children? First, decorate the outside of the paper plates by sticking on stickers or drawing pictures, then stack two plates and use a hole punch to make holes in several places along the rim.
Since using a hole punch might be difficult for children, the teacher should handle this step.
Next, place cut pieces of straw inside the paper plates and stick the two plates together with double-sided tape.
Finally, attach bells to the holes using chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and you’re done! Tap or shake it and enjoy the different sounds it makes!
Tambourine made from a cheese container
Let’s make one by attaching bells to an empty container! Here’s an idea for a tambourine made from a cheese container.
You’ll need: an empty cheese container, origami paper in your favorite colors or patterns, double-sided tape, an awl, bells, thread, scissors, and tape.
First, stick the origami paper onto the cheese container.
Next, use the awl to make five holes around the side.
Finally, thread the bells, tie them to the holes in the container, and secure with tape—that’s it! You’ll have a handmade instrument that’s easy for kids to hold in both size and weight.
Milk Carton Tambourine
How about making a tambourine by reusing an everyday material—a milk carton? It’s easy to make and costs nothing, so it’s highly recommended! Cut the milk carton into strips and form triangles, then combine six of them into a hexagon and glue them together.
Cover the outside with colored construction paper of your choice, and feel free to decorate it by drawing pictures or adding stickers.
To finish, punch holes along the edge and attach small bells—done! Since this craft has relatively many steps, it’s best for the teacher to prepare it in advance and then play with the children together.
Handmade tambourine using 100-yen shop materials
Make it with a one-year-old! Here are ideas for handmade tambourines using materials you can get at a 100-yen shop.
What you’ll need: paper plates, washi tape, air-dry clay, disposable chopsticks, bells, and stickers.
Let’s create handmade instruments together with one-year-old children! The finished instruments can be tambourines or drums, and the charm is that each child can play freely.
It’s adorable to see children freely perform to music with their own original instruments, decorated by cheerfully sticking on stickers.
Tambourine made with acorns
If you’ve collected lots of acorns while playing in the park, going for walks, or on a field trip, try making a tambourine! It’s important to connect with natural materials and feel the seasons.
First, to prevent bugs, either boil the acorns and dry them or freeze them.
Let the kids decorate paper plates with origami paper, washi tape, and stickers.
Partially fasten two decorated paper plates together, then let the children put the acorns inside and have fun.
When you’re done, it would be lovely to hold a little concert with your handmade instruments! It’s an exciting craft that makes you wonder what kind of sound a tambourine filled with acorns will make.
Tambourine made from scrap materials
Shake it! Tap it! Enjoy the sounds! Here’s a tambourine idea made from recycled materials.
You’ll need a flat round box, six jingle bells, chenille stems (pipe cleaners), and a tool for making holes such as an awl.
First, make holes at six evenly spaced points around the round box.
Next, cut the pipe cleaners into six pieces, thread a bell onto each one, and attach them through the holes in the box—and you’re done.
Since there’s a risk of injury when making holes or handling the pipe cleaners, be sure to work together with a parent or teacher.
Tambourine made from everyday items
Here are some ideas for making a tambourine from everyday items.
A tambourine is an instrument with bells or small cymbals attached around a metal rim, with skin stretched over one side.
How about making a tambourine using familiar materials found at home or in a preschool? You can substitute the skin with plastic sheeting or construction paper, and use a ring toss hoop or a cut-out paper plate for the rim.
If you brainstorm with the children, you’ll likely come up with lots of fun ideas! Give it a try.