Recycled Shakers: Musicians and Dancers

Students make shakers from small bottles and tambourines from paper plates, then half the class plays while the other half moves to the sound. It builds rhythm, matching movement to sound, and creating short sequences in groups.

How to play

1. Build it (6 min): drop a handful of lentils or chickpeas into a 12-ounce bottle and tape the cap; for the tambourine, put chickpeas between two paper plates and tape the edges together.
2. Sound code (3 min): a fast shake means tiny steps, a slow shake means giant steps, one loud hit means jump, and silence means freeze.
3. Musicians and dancers (5 min): half the class sits in a circle and plays while the other half moves inside it following the code; switch roles after 2 minutes.
4. Partners (3 min): one plays while walking around the room, and the other follows, moving to the rhythm without touching.
5. Groups of 5 (3 min): create an 8-count sequence that mixes sounds and moves, then teach it to another group, who repeats it.

Rules

• Instruments are played, never thrown or banged on the floor.
• When the teacher raises a hand, all instruments go silent.
• Dancers move into open spaces without bumping anyone.
• Safety: caps are sealed tight so no beans spill on the floor.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: acts as the conductor or moves arms and trunk from their spot.
• Hearing impairment: pair the code with big gestures and let the student feel the vibration with a hand on the tambourine.
• Shyness: may start as a musician and switch to dancer whenever ready.

Learning goals

• Match movement to changes in rhythm and volume.
• Create a simple sound-and-movement sequence as a group.
• Make instruments from reused containers and materials.

Equipment for a class of 25

• recycled bottles: 25
• dried beans
• paper plates: 50
• masking tape: 3

Teacher tip

For students with food allergies, use rice instead of beans. Small juice bottles are ideal; let students decorate them in art class so they take better care of them.

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