DIY Paper Plate Tambourine Craft
Staple two paper plates together with dried beans inside and decorate with stickers — then shake your homemade tambourine along to music.
What You'll Need
- 12 paper plates
- 2Dried beans or rice
- 3Stapler or strong tape (adult use)
- 4Stickers, crayons, or washable markers
- 5Phone or speaker for music
What You'll Need
2 paper plates
Dried beans or rice (a small handful)
Stapler or strong tape (adult handles this)
Stickers, crayons, or washable markers for decorating
Phone or speaker for music
How to Play
Place a handful of dried beans or rice in the center of one paper plate. Not too many — you want room for them to move.
Place a second paper plate face-down on top to create a sealed pocket.
Staple or tape the edges closed securely all the way around. This is an adult step — make it tight so nothing escapes.
Let your child decorate the outside with stickers, crayons, or washable markers. This is their instrument, so it should look how they want.
Show your child two ways to play: shake it side to side, or tap it against their other palm like a real tambourine.
Put on a favorite song and play the tambourine along to the beat together.
Try holding it still and just tapping the top with fingertips for a quieter, more controlled sound.
Tips
Double the tape or add extra staples. Two-year-olds are determined openers and you don't want beans all over the floor mid-song.
Try different fillings for different tambourines: rice for a soft shh-shh, beans for a louder rattle, small bells if you have them for a jingle.
The decoration step matters — kids play their instruments longer and with more pride when they made them and personalized them.
Show your child how to hold the tambourine up high and shake it overhead, then down by their knees. This adds a movement element.
Save it for later. A well-made paper plate tambourine can last several weeks of jam sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does this activity take?
This activity takes about 20 min, with 5 min of preparation time beforehand.
What materials do I need?
You'll need: 2 paper plates, dried beans or rice, stapler or strong tape (adult use), stickers, crayons, or washable markers, phone or speaker for music.
What age is this activity for?
This activity is designed for 2-3 years. You can adapt it for younger or older children by adjusting the complexity.
Can this be done indoors?
This activity is designed for indoor play, making it perfect for rainy days or when you're staying inside.
How difficult is this activity?
This is an easy activity that requires minimal setup and supervision. Great for busy days or when you need something quick.
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