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How to Make Maracas for Kids With Paper Bowls

Maracas originated in South America where they are still commonly used as musical instruments. Children can make their own maracas and try playing them. Maracas are a percussion instrument that when shaken, make a pleasing rattle sound that is often heard in salsa music. Alter the pitch of the maracas by differentiating the amount of beans or seeds in each one. While maracas were originally made from hollowed gourds, children can easily make them using paper bowls and other common household items.

2 paper bowls
1 cup of beans or seeds
Glue, duct tape or stapler
Markers, paint or other decorating supplies (optional)
Craft stick (optional)

Instructions

- 1
  Set two paper bowls on the working surface in front of you, bowl opening face-up. Place the desired amount of beans or seeds in one of the bowls. Turn the empty bowl face-down on top of the filled bowl, aligning the edges of the paper bowls together.
- 2
  Insert a craft stick or other handle between the two bowls, if you desire a handle. Keep in mind that the stick you use should be appropriate to support the size of the paper bowls. Paper plate maracas are often made without a handle, for this reason.
- 3
  Fasten the paper bowl edges with your chosen medium -- staples, duct tape or glue. Duct tape or staples may hold up better than glue, but will be visible.
- 4
  Decorate the bowls with markers, paints or anything else you like. Ribbons or tissue paper add quick color and make the maracas festive. Or consider covering the maracas in papier-mache to make them more sturdy, while also covering up the tape or staples used to fasten the plates together.

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