This activity is great for younger kids ages 2–7 and parents who are trying to keep their little ones distracted throughout the day. Taking household items and give them a second life is a fun activity and great way to help kids to develop their fine motor skills and increase sensory awareness. Giving life to used items can expand the creative mind and lead to other activities!

You will be making maracas out of toilet paper rolls (or water bottles, sour cream cans, and plastic bottles).

1. Gather the following supplies: toilet paper rolls or a container, colored paper, tape or glue sticks, markers, scissors, a ruler, and dried pasta or rice.
2. Make 2 1 x 1 inch squares out of paper and cut them out.
3. Fix one 1 x 1 inch square to one of the open ends of the toilet paper roll with tape.
4. Pour in 1/4 cup of dried pasta or rice into the other opening of the toilet paper roll.
5. Tape the open end shut with another 1 x 1 inch paper square. 
6. Decorate the maraca with the colored paper! We like to draw designs on paper first, but drawing right on the maraca is okay too!
7. Submit a photo of your maraca with your name using the submission form at the top of this page!