Day 17: Make a Recycled Nature Rattle

Welcome to Day 17 of 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun, a month-long series offering simple ways to get outside exploring the natural world. To see activities from earlier this month, head here.

Back in November, I invited award-winning children’s performer Ms. Daria Marmaluk-Hajioannou to share an idea for helping kids connect with nature through music. Daria has traveled the globe to share music that inspires, empowers and is just plain fun.

Make & Play a Pow-Wow Drum was a big hit around here. So I invited Daria back to share another idea for combining nature and music.

Day 17: Make a recycled nature rattle.
The first rattles and musical instruments were made from objects that were found in nature. If you try this fun outdoor activity, you can create music the same way that your ancestors did.

• Start with a clean plastic container such as a water bottle. Containers with larger mouths work best.

• Then, take a walk and pick up small natural items that fit into your container. Look for pebbles, seeds, small pinecones, acorns, twigs, feathers or whatever you might encounter. Add them to your rattle and note how each changes the sound as you shake it.

• When you arrive home, seal your container with sturdy tape. If you’ve found feathers, you can wrap them and make a special handle for your instrument.

The great thing about making a recycled nature rattle is that it will be different each time you try it. If you walk by a beach or shoreline, you’ll find shells and feathers more readily. You may discover more seeds or nuts on autumn or winter walks. You can even visit the same park and find completely different things by walking on various paths.

Open your eyes as you walk in nature and the special objects you find will provide the opportunity for some excellent music making!

Just joining us? Catch up on what we’re up to at 31 Days of Backyard Nature Fun.