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Calypso-rhythm-shakers

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Kindergarten→Celebrations Activities→Calypso Rhythm Shakers

Calypso Rhythm Shakers

Special Foods & Decorations

20 minutes

Individual with teacher support

Learning Objectives

Create simple musical instruments
Learn about calypso music traditions
Develop rhythm and musical skills
Practice following instructions for craft project

Step-by-Step Instructions

1Show children examples of Caribbean shakers and maracas
2Help children put rice or beans in bottles (teacher uses funnel)
3Secure lids tightly
4Decorate bottles with colorful tape and stickers
5Test shakers by shaking gently
6Listen to calypso music and practice shaking to beat
7Form circle and play shakers together
8Learn simple calypso rhythm patterns

Assessment Criteria

✓Child creates functional shaker instrument
✓Child decorates shaker creatively
✓Child uses shaker appropriately with music
✓Child attempts to follow rhythm patterns

Materials Needed

Small plastic bottles with lids
Rice, beans, or small pebbles
Colorful electrical tape
Stickers
Calypso music recordings
Funnel (for teacher use)

Preparation

•Clean plastic bottles thoroughly
•Set up stations with decorating materials
•Prepare calypso music playlist
•Have funnel ready for filling bottles

Teaching Tips

💡Make sure lids are very secure
💡Start with simple rhythm patterns
💡Encourage children to feel the beat
💡Connect to other Caribbean music experiences

Extension Activities

+Learn about other Caribbean instruments
+Create a classroom calypso band
+Listen to different styles of Caribbean music
+Invite musician to demonstrate Caribbean instruments

Key Vocabulary

shaker

rhythm

calypso

music

beat

instrument

Caribbean

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