This is the time of year you’ll see colorful plastic Easter eggs just about everywhere you shop. If you don’t need them for a fun egg hunt,
purchase them and make some really durable musical instrument shakers. The children love the colors,they hold up over repeated use and are super simple to make. Here’s how to do it:
You’ll need:
- 2 plastic eggs for each child –Use the larger egg shapes,about double the size of a real chicken egg
- High temperature hot glue gun with high temperature glue sticks
- Dried beans,2 Tbsp. for each egg to be filled (small white beans or lentils,rice for softer sound)
- Utility knife
Open the eggs and place the dried beans in the bottom half. Spread a thin layer of glue around the rim of the bottom half of the egg. Quickly snap the top half of the egg over the bottom half. Be careful to make sure the egg is closed all the way around. If it doesn’t seal properly right away,try to reposition. The glue dries really quickly so you only have one clean shot at it. Practice a few times before you use the glue so you know how to hold the egg and get the top all the way on fast. Stand egg up so the beans inside don’t get stuck to the glue that is exposed from the inside. Allow to cool for a few minutes. If there is a plastic knob on the outside that originally held the two egg halves together,trim with the utility knife so children don’t cut themselves.
Shake,shake,shake!!! These eggs are practically indestructible when used with preschoolers. Use for rhythmic activities or as a great alternative to maracas –which usually are the wrong size for preschoolers’hands,make too much noise or break easily. And,making them will save you a bundle over the per item cost that most places sell them for. Especially if you need them for an entire preschool class.
For some photos of the kids using these,go to our Facebook page, KID-FIT Kids Photo Album 9
Have some egg-citing fun –all year round!!
