Homemade Maracas

(not rated)
See more activities in: First Grade, Recycled Crafts

At the end of a bowl of oatmeal, there's always the lingering question: what to do with those durable cardboard containers? The simple answer: reuse them! Little did you know they can make great maracas, and can turn a boring afternoon into a recycled crafts bonanza.

What You Need:

  • 1-2 empty cylindrical oatmeal containers with plastic lids
  • Dry beans, dry peas, uncooked rice, or a combination of all three
  • Supplies for decorating such as markers, paint, stickers, etc.

What You Do:

  1. Throw a generous handful of dry beans into the oatmeal container and snap the lid on tight.
  2. Decorate your maracas any way you like.
  3. Shake! Shake! Shake!
  4. No Beans? No Problem! You can tape two oatmeal canisters (with lids on) together to make a great set of bongos!