Simple shakers are great for exploring rhythm and improving hand-eye coordination.
They are good for accompanying a sing-song too! We love the spooky, rattly rendition of Incy Wincy Spider in the video below.
Why not have a watch for inspiration and give it a go at home with your child.
How do you make a shaker?
We've got simple step by step instructions for making a rice rattle in the Parent Hacks section of our site.
What can you do with a shaker?
- You can help their fine motor skills right from the start by letting them join in with making the shaker.
- Try playing a copying game where you play a rhythm first and see if they can copy you.
- Teach them about words like 'quiet', 'loud, 'noisy', 'fast' and 'slow' and see if they can play the shaker to match these words.
- Sing along to any nursery rhyme that you want.
- If you're feeling really musical, you can put together a baby band with more homemade instruments.
What's next?
Find out 6 more amazing facts that you didn't know about babies and music in the child development section of our website.
Or visit our nursery rhyme collection to read about all the benefits of nursery rhymes for babies and toddlers.
Want more inspiration for musical activities? Check out these easy ways to get musical at home with young children.
Or choose another activity from this age range below.
Image caption, Simple shakers are great for playing with rhythm and improving hand-eye coordination.
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