Discover sound vibrations with this DIY sound shaker. Do you ever find yourself finishing off a favorite food and thinking, wow, that is a great container? Just me? Well, I looked at this one and pinned it for an epic DIY sound shaker. It is the kid’s science activity we were looking for to help us make it to dinner time.
RELATED: Looking for more preschool activities? Check out this list of 101 preschool activities organized by areas of learning.
Why Should Your Preschooler Explore Sound?
For one, making observations helps build vocabulary. By Kindergarten, children learning under the Common Core will be asked to participate in collaborative conversations with diverse partners about kindergarten topics and texts with peers and adults in small and larger groups.
Observing objects in and out of tin cans is a great way for your preschooler to discover sound vibrations and expand their vocabulary.
RELATED: Here is a quick list of kid activities to keep in your back pocket.
Why is sensory play important?
Sensory play is important because it engages the senses. This means a child may smell, touch, taste, listen, and look in a single play prompt. Engaging the senses invites more thinking. And more thinking means nourishing and building upon prior knowledge. Here is my article on why sensory play is important.
Often, sensory play uses something called loose parts. Loose parts are open-ended materials that do not have a predetermined purpose. The child leads in how the tools are used and played with. Loose parts have many ways to play.
For example, we may set up a sensory bin with small rocks. The child may spend time scooping, pouring, touching, or stacking. Since the child is visiting the sensory play with interest, they will be more likely to attach meaning to what they decide to do.
Sensory play is exploring objects through our senses, and here are our favorite outdoor sensory bin supplies and 40 sensory play activities for toddlers, preschoolers, and big kids.
How to make your sound shaker
- Begin by filling your cans. I chose beans and uncooked pasta.- Do not tell your toddler or preschooler what is inside the can.
- Make sure the lid is secure. You may want to tape down the lid.
- Hand the can to your toddler or preschooler and allow them to give it a shake and roll.
- Once your toddler or preschooler explores the sound vibrations, ask them what they think is inside.
- Shake and ask your child to listen again as they try to figure it out.
- Discuss with your toddler or preschooler how each can sound alike and different. Is one louder than the other?
- Allow your preschooler to peek inside to discover what is inside.
RELATED: Looking for ways to incorporate more science at home? Here are my favorite STEM toys for kids.
How to extend
You can extend the activity by allowing your preschooler to pick something to go inside the can and find more sounds to discover.
You can also close your eyes and switch roles.
Can you figure out what your toddler or preschooler chose to put inside the can? Don’t close your eyes too long because you never know what may be inside. (kidding, but a mom here with experience)
A BUNDLE OF OUR BEST RESOURCES
it’s like Mary Poppin’s bag – full of great ideas to inspire you and your kids with play!
You get an amazing bundle including:
- The Starter Guide to press restart on your days.
- 2 Sets of Activity Cards for activities when you need them.
- The WONDER Course: More Play, Less Stress for You and Your Child.
FAQ
There are so many different kinds of science activities for preschoolers. Baking soda and vinegar is a simple yet crazy cool chemical reaction that can be done in many different ways. Any activity involving your preschooler in measuring, mixing, comparing, and observing is science-based. Here are 17 science activities for preschoolers.
Science is everywhere! Your child’s curiosity and yearning to explore and learn is just the start of introducing science concepts to preschoolers. Encourage your child to observe, make guesses and notice the changes they see around them! A simple everyday science observation (that requires zero set up) is talking about the weather.
Use these 40 toddler activities to guide your play at home with your two and three-year-olds.
