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 as a kindergarten teacher for 10 years and as an after-school childcare instructor for 7 years, then took a position as a music teacher at an international school in Singapore. In addition to music education, I engaged in activities that introduced Japanese culture, traditional games, and recreational activities, working with many children. Later, through freelance writing, planning, and editing at Shogakukan, I met many delightful adults and experienced the joy of communicating and sharing. Drawing on the perspective cultivated in the field of education and my experience as an editor, I provide practical information with an emphasis on both input and output, mainly in areas related to music and children. My hobbies include instruments, singing, handicrafts, toys, drawing, traditional games, the outdoors, and books. My special skill is 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 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 with paper plates

[Handmade Instrument] Let's make a tambourine with paper plates!

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!

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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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