Lovely childcare

[Childcare] Enjoy handmade tambourines with the children

[Childcare] Enjoy handmade tambourines with the children

Last updated:2025/2/23

10 years as a kindergarten teacher / elementary school teacher / junior and senior high school teacher / childminderkepiko
Graduated from Kunitachi College of Music, Faculty of Music (now: Department of Music Culture and Education, Early Childhood Music Education major). In elementary school, my homeroom teacher was Jun Kusaba, a game researcher. After graduating from university, I worked for 10 years as a kindergarten teacher and for 7 years as an after-school childcare instructor, then took a post as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I also engaged in activities that shared Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational play, working with many children. Afterwards, through freelance writing, planning, and editing work at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and conveying ideas. Leveraging the perspective cultivated in educational settings and my experience as an editor, I aim to deliver practical information—focusing on fields related to music and children—that values both input and output. Hobbies include instruments, singing, handcrafts, toys, drawing, traditional play, the outdoors, books, DIY, and crafts. Special skill: spinning-top tricks.
Nursery Teacher Mom Writertsukada moe
After working for five years at an after-school childcare club and three years at a nursery school, I began working as a freelance writer. I’m a mother of two children. Inspired by playing the flute in the school wind ensemble in elementary school, I joined a jazz club at university. I’ve also incorporated ukulele and piano performance into childcare. Playing, laughing, feeling sad, feeling frustrated—through all kinds of experiences, I want children to grow.

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

[Upcycled Craft] Easy! Make a Tambourine with Plastic Bottle Caps (Playable Craft & Handmade Toy) [Paper Plate & Bottle Caps] Musical Instrument Craft

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.

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Tambourine you can make with things at home

[Handmade Instrument] Make a Tambourine with Things at Home ♪ A Fun Activity to Do with Kids

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!

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Tambourine made from a cheese container

Easy tambourine craft with a cheese container

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.

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Milk Carton Tambourine

Let's hand-make a tambourine using a milk carton!

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.

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Tambourine made with acorns

Forest Concert for Ages 0–2

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.

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Tambourine using 100-yen shop items

Let’s make an instrument! A tambourine using 100-yen shop items♪

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.

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Tambourine made from scrap materials

[Childcare/Arts & Crafts] Let’s make a tambourine that makes sounds! [Upcycled materials]

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.

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