Shake, rattle, and roll with these DIY maracas. They are perfect for Cinco de Mayo, a music basket, or an Earth Day recycling craft.
What is Cinco de Mayo?
Cinco de Mayo translates from Spanish to English to mean the 5th of May.
So what’s unique about the May 5th?
It’s a day that the small Mexican Army defeated France in the Battle of Puebla.
As it turns out, Cinco de Mayo is more widely celebrated in the U.S. than in Mexico. In the U.S., it is a day to celebrate Mexican culture and heritage.
What is a Maraca?
Maracas, also known as chac-chac or shakers, are hollowed-out spheres filled with dried beans or similar items. To be played, they are shaken.
They are a staple in music from Mexico and Latin America. Some maracas are made special for Cinco de Mayo.
One maraca can be used, or they can be used as a pair.
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Reusing Materials to Make Something New
There is a bonus to making these DIY maracas. They are a great way to get your little one thinking about reducing, reusing, or recycling items.
They will see firsthand how a plastic bottle that would’ve been recycled or put in the trash is now given new life as an instrument.
This not only helps your little one to see that they can help limit their plastic waste, but they can also make something they want (or need) instead of going out to buy something new.
What a tremendous hidden lesson to teach your little one!
Items Needed to Make DIY Maracas
*dry rice or beans
*small plastic bottle with lids (juice bottles, water bottles, etc.)
*small funnel or piece of paper (optional, but helpful)
*colorful tape or stickers
DIY Maracas How To
1. Search your recycle bin for small plastic bottles with lids. Encourage your preschoolers to help find small plastic bottles with lids. Part of the magic of these DIY maracas is that they are made from recyclables.
2. Fill the plastic bottle part of the way with dry rice or beans. It’s easiest to use a funnel. If you don’t have one, roll up a piece of paper so that it is like a cone (one end smaller) to use as a funnel.
*Leave room for the rice or beans to move around*
3. Screw the lid back onto the plastic bottle. You may want to hot glue or tape the lid onto the bottle to avoid a mess. 😉
4. Give your preschooler colorful tape or stickers to decorate their DIY maracas.
5. Shake the maracas to practice coordination and move to a beat.
6. Use the DIY maracas when dancing or whenever else your little one’s heart desires.
DIY Maracas
Reusing recyclables is a great practice to teach your little ones. These fun DIY maracas are a fun way to show that reusing and reimagining items can be fun. Plus, they are cheap and easy to make– a mom and teacher win!