Island shaker drum

Supplies

• Paper or plastic cups (1 per child).

• Balloons (1 per cup).

• Rice, lentils, or pasta (for shaker sound).

• Scissors.

• Tape or rubber bands.

• Coloured paper, markers, stickers, or paint for decoration.

• Optional: feathers or ribbon for a Pacific-inspired look.

Steps

1. Prepare the Cup

   • Fill the bottom of a paper/plastic cup with a small handful of rice, lentils, or pasta.

   • Not too full – just enough to make a good shaker sound.

2. Add the Balloon Top

   • Cut the neck off a balloon.

   • Stretch the balloon over the top of the cup so it sits tightly like a drum skin.

   • Secure with tape or a rubber band.

3. Decorate

   • Wrap coloured paper around the cup and glue/tape it in place.

   • Add Pacific-inspired designs: triangles, waves, flowers, stars.

   • Stick on feathers or ribbon for extra colour and island flair.

4. Play the Shakers

   • Shake to make rhythm sounds.

   • Tap the balloon top with fingers to use as a drum.

   • Try playing together in a group to copy traditional Cook Islands drumming rhythms.