Clean out a circular container, such as an ice cream container, an oatmeal canister or a plastic coffee can. Remove the lid of the container and set it aside.
Paint the sides of the container with tempera paint. Allow pre-K children to use any color paint they would like. Tie in a math lesson into the craft project by asking them to use two colors to create a pattern along the outside of the container. Set the container aside until the paint is completely dry.
Trace the lid of the container onto a piece of construction paper. Cut out the construction paper circle and glue it to the top of the lid. Alternatively, cover the lid with a piece of felt and cut off the excess felt that hangs off the edges of the lid.
Replace the lid onto the container. To play the drum, instruct children to tap their hands and fingers onto the lid. Offer them pencils, markers or craft sticks to use as drumsticks, if you'd like.