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2-3 years20-30 minEasy

Music and Shaker Play

Use a commercially manufactured, age-labeled shaker for supervised music play. This guide covers adult setup, a simple turn-taking activity, and safe storage.

Age Safety Note

Do not make shakers from containers filled with loose rice, beans, pasta, or other small items; tape and glue cannot guarantee that fillers stay sealed. Use an intact shaker labeled for the child's age, inspect it according to its product directions, supervise closely, and keep it away from mouths.

What This Activity Offers

Different age-appropriate, commercially made shakers can make different sounds when moved; adults can compare them or keep a simple beat together. Avoid homemade loose-fill containers, since tape cannot guarantee that small fillers remain inaccessible.

Materials Needed

  • Commercially manufactured shaker labeled for the child's age

    Use only an intact product labeled for the child's age; do not refill or modify it.

  • No loose fillers

    Do not add small loose items to an improvised container.

  • Stable play area

    Clear trip hazards and supervise play; tape is not a substitute for an age-labeled toy.

  • Caregiver supervision

    Stay close and stop if the child mouths or damages the shaker.

  • No decorations

    Use the product as supplied; do not attach decorations that could loosen.

Prep Tips (Before You Start)

  • 1Check the shaker's age label and condition; do not refill or modify it.
  • 2Do not prepare or offer loose fillers.
  • 3Clear a stable play area and keep the shaker away from mouths.
  • 4Do not use a homemade filled container as a toddler shaker; a seal test cannot guarantee it will remain closed.
  • 5Have a playlist of upbeat kid music ready to go for the post-craft dance party.

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. 1Show the intact, age-labeled shaker and keep it in the supervised play area.
  2. 2Take turns shaking an age-labeled instrument and pausing to listen; do not add loose fillers.
  3. 3Keep the shaker intact; do not open, refill, or modify it.
  4. 4An adult checks the toy for damage before play and follows its product directions.
  5. 5Hand back to your toddler and demonstrate shaking. Listen to the sound.
  6. 6If another instrument is used, it must also be an intact, age-labeled product.
  7. 7Do not attach decorations that could loosen; use the product as supplied.
  8. 8Turn on music and start a dance party with the new instruments.

Fun Variations to Try

  • •An adult can compare two intact, age-labeled shakers, one at a time.
  • •Do not use or decorate refillable containers as improvised shakers.
  • •Use two intact, age-labeled instruments with different sounds; do not add loose fillers.
  • •Try rhythm games: shake fast, shake slow, shake-stop-shake.

Cleanup Tips

  • Store shakers in a basket for easy access.
  • Inspect the manufactured shaker as directed and stop using it if damaged.
  • If any contents spill or a shaker is damaged, remove all loose pieces and discontinue use.
  • Save shakers—they get used for years.

Additional Tips

  • Use only the sounds of intact, age-labeled instruments; do not open them to compare fillers.
  • Do not tape instruments together or alter the product.
  • Adults can join the band too—dignity is overrated.
  • For gifts, use only intact instruments labeled for each recipient's age.

References & Further Reading

General background resources for readers. They do not verify or test any specific activity, material, or setup described on this site.

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