These colorful little castanets are perfect for little fingers to explore. Not only will your child experiment with rhythm, but he'll also work on developing his fine motor skills!

Materials:
Sturdy Paper like poster board or a manila folder
Pairs of Buttons
Hot Glue Gun or Elmer's School Glue

Cut the paper into rectangles that measure anywhere from 4 to 6 inches long and 1/2 to 1 inch wide. Fold each rectangle in half so there's a crease in the middle. Next, choose two buttons and glue one on each end of the rectangle. The buttons will need to be the same size, and if your child is like my son, they'll have to be the same color too! Allow the glue to dry.

Let the fun begin! What types of rhythms can you create with your new instrument? Can you click the buttons together fast and slow? Can you make a steady beat? How about tapping the rhythm of your favorite song with your castanets? Turn on some music and experiment with all different types of rhythm!

***If doing this craft with young children or with young children present, do be careful to keep an eye on the buttons. Don't let young children put them in their mouths!***

Originally Posted on Kindermusik's Blog, Aug 12, 2013

One of the fabulous benefits of your enrollment in Kindermusik is Kindermusik@Home – a whole new way to access and enjoy your Home Materials throughout the week.  But how can Kindermusik@Home make parenting a little bit easier?  Well, you might turn to Kindermusik@Home when you…

• need a lullaby to calm your baby to sleep
• are looking for a special way to connect with your child and sneak in a few giggles or cuddles
• are desperate for a diversion in the long line at the grocery store or the waiting room at the doctor’s office
• can’t remember the words to your child’s favorite song from class
• can’t get out on a rainy day and an educational activity for kids like a video field trip or kid-friendly recipe might be just the thing
• want to help your child get even more out of his or her weekly Kindermusik class
• have a few minutes to really engage with your child and need some inspiration to make that time meaningful and fun
• have a child begging you to read his favorite story from Kindermusik class and you’re not anywhere near the bookshelf at home (Gotta love these mobile apps for kids!)
• want to play a developmentally appropriate, kid-friendly game together
• are ready to download all of the great music from your Kindermusik class
• need expert advice and a window of insight into the precious miracle that is your child
• are looking for an easy way to begin expanding your child’s awareness and understanding of the world around her
• need some great music and activity ideas to soothe or clam, play together, chase away the blues, or share some giggles
• need all of this with you wherever you are – at home or on the go
  
  Visit JessicasPianoStudio.com to sample Kindermusik@Home!