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Recycled Maracas: Kids Krafts

Ages 9 months- 3 years

You will need:

• 2 - Empty, cleaned (rinsed and labels removed) & dried small plastic juice or water, of the same size with lids.
  
• Uncooked Rice or Beans
  
• Decorating Stuff--Stickers, felt/fabric scraps, yarn, sequins, feathers
  
• White Craft Glue
  
• Scissor

by Tracey C. Agranoff

Ages 9 months- 3 years

You will need:

• 2 - Empty, cleaned (rinsed and labels removed) & dried small plastic juice or water, of the same size with lids.
  
• Uncooked Rice or Beans
  
• Decorating Stuff --Stickers, felt/fabric scraps, yarn, sequins, feathers
  
• White Craft Glue
  
• Scissor

1. Start by removing the lids from the juice bottles.

2. Decorate your bottles by gluing on felt, yarn, etc. …. Any way you like.
Let these dry.

3. Put about 2 tablespoons of rice or beans into each decorated bottle and close it tightly with the lid.

Now you're ready to play along with some favorite music or create your own Shake, Shake, Shake

TIPS & HINTS

Older children can use acrylic paints to decorate their Maraca bottles. Acrylics are plastic based paints and will not wash out of clothes, carpets or upholstery. Acrylics can be purchased at most craft and art supply stores. Mom supervision is advised.

Use the Maracas to play listening skills games
Maracas Stop & Go - have your child shake along with the music, pause/stop the music at random and have your child freeze/stop when the music stops. (Teaches listening skills, develops self control and is really fun to play.)

Volume a Go Go --Take turns with your child being the leader of your very own Maraca Band. Arms raised to play loud, arms down to play softly. Move arms fast to play fast and slow to play slowly-- create your own gestures and rhythms. Take turns and have a blast!!! (Teaches sharing, observation skills, patience, listening skills and works large and small muscle groups)