Maracas are traditional South American instruments that are easy to make and a fun instrument for children. To make a maraca, put beans or nuts into a plastic cup and tape another plastic cup upside down to connect the rims of each cup. Children will have fun making their very own maraca, and afterward you can have them practice South American music by shaking their maracas. After the children have had time to play with their maracas, play South American music with maracas and point out the musicians' use of the instrument.
Build a rainmaker by pushing thumbtacks into a Pringles can. Pour beans or nuts into the Pringles can, and cover the can with tape. Taping over the thumbtacks will prevent them from falling out and injuring the children. Give the rainmakers to the children to play with. Explain that the rainmakers were made by Native Americans because the device replicated the sound of rain, and would call down rain from the sky. This would also be a good opportunity to show the children online videos of a Native American rain dance while encouraging the children to play their new instruments.
Send a note home to the preschoolers' parents, explaining that you are trying to teach the children about multicultural values through music. Ask the parents if they or any close family members know how to perform cultural music and would be willing to perform for the class. Children would love the guest appearance, and many parents would adore the opportunity to share their cultural heritage with children.
Research ethnic dances on the Internet. A Native American tribal dance is radically different from a traditional Indian dance or a South American salsa. Show children videos of simple cultural dances, such as a Native American rain dance or an African tribal dance. While it is unlikely that the children will be able to perform the complicated movements, this activity effectively combines play with a learning opportunity.