Paper Plate Drums

by Aaron Nigel Smith

Students will create drums with paper plates and decorate them. The homemade instrument will allow children to create and explore music.

Learning Targets

● I can solve problems and ask for help when I need it.
● I can make music with things that I can find at home.

Materials

2 paper plates

Dry Beans

36 inches of yarn

hole punch

Crayons, markers or colored pencils

Note: If you do not have a hole punch, masking tape can be used to tape the plates together.

Instructions

1. Use hole punch to make eight holes around the edge of the paper plate.

2. Color eight triangles on the bottom of each plate. Any size or color is ok!

3. Place one handful of beans on one of the plates.

4. Cover the beans with the other paper plate.

5. Use the yarn to weave the two plates together.

If you are using masking tape instead, tape your plates  together.

6. Have fun shaking or tapping your drum! Play it, loud, soft, fast and slow!

Reflection

Write in your journal or draw in your sketchbook

1. What was the most fun part about making your drum?
2. When did you ask for help when making your drum?
3. Can you make your drum sound loud or soft? How?

Extra

1. Put on your favorite song and jam along with your drum!
2. Ask a family member to play another musical instrument along with you!
3. Play your drum for a family member or friend on a video call!