Physical Friday: Let's Make Drums

Hopefully you've found a copy of Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins. Today we'll make some drums to use while reading it.
The drums I made are from a large oatmeal container. I cut the container into three sections to make three drums. Then I cut pages an old small phone book into strips. I made some paper mache glue. I dipped the strips in the glue and covered the top of the oatmeal container. I let it dry overnight and then added a second layer. I let that layer dry overnight again. Then I used some sandpaper and gently sanded the rough glue globs off so the top and edges were smooth. Then I painted the top and upper part of the sides with white acrylic paint. It needed two coats to cover the print on the paper. While it was drying I cut decorative paper into strips wide enough to cover the body of the oatmeal container. I painted the wrong side of the paper with craft glue and then attached to the base of the drum. I let it dry for an hour or so and then handed it over to Sammi for the test.

I admit, this is more of a grown-up craft. I didn't include Sammi in the creation of these drums. The project would be great for older kids, but toddlers aren't ready for paper mache! At least not mine :) So I found several sites with more kid-friendly drum making crafts. Find the one that matches what you already have at home and get busy! I'd love to know which tutorial you use and how it went.

Drum-making Tutorials
Easy Homemade Musical Instrument Projects for Kids: Drum, Didgeridoo, Trumpet
Coffee Can Drum
Native American Drum
African Drum
Little Drummer Boy Drum

Have a great weekend practicing your drum. We'll see you on Monday as we bring Hand, Hand, Fingers, Thumb by Al Perkins and your new drums together and explore more ways to encourage rhythmic development using drums.