Rice, Rice Baby

Use this activity to help students explore music-making with handmade instruments.

Materials Needed: Chart paper, markers, objects for creating instruments, rice

1. Invite students to gather in a circle. Tell them they’re going to be making musical instruments using only rice and items from the classroom!
2. Next, break into small groups and brainstorm a list of objects one can use to make instruments (e.g. empty water bottles, cans, rubber bands or shoeboxes). Then, have students gather their chosen materials from around the classroom or bring them from home.
3. Ask each student to add rice to their containers to create different percussive sounds. Encourage them to experiment with the amount of rice they’re using to find their musical instrument’s unique sound.
4. When students’ instruments have been created, have small groups work together to form a unique percussive band by choosing who plays which instrument. Invite them to rehearse for a short period of time to create a short, fun tune.
5. Finally, ask volunteers to share their musical acts with the class! Then, take a moment to celebrate the awesome bands they’ve created!

Reflection Questions:

• What was it like to create an instrument with classroom objects and rice?
• How did your group work together to make your band’s music? What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
• What did you learn about teamwork and creativity through this activity?