How to Make a Rain Stick for Preschoolers — Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Create your own soothing rain stick with simple household items! This easy craft is perfect for little hands and provides hours of sensory fun.
Quick answer
To make a rain stick, you need a cardboard tube, rice, tape, and decorations, taking about 30 minutes. Start by filling the tube with rice. This beginner-friendly activity has 8 steps and is perfect for preschoolers and toddlers.
Advertisement
What you need
Shop on Amazon · affiliate links
Step-by-Step Instructions
- 1
If using toilet paper tubes, tape them securely together to form one longer tube.
- 2
Cut a square of aluminum foil large enough to cover one end of the tube.
- 3
Crumple the aluminum foil into a loose ball and insert it into one end of the tube.
- 4
Securely tape the aluminum foil square over the end of the tube, ensuring no gaps.
- 5
Carefully pour 1/2 cup of uncooked rice (or your chosen filler) into the open end of the tube.
- 6
Cut another square of aluminum foil large enough to cover the remaining open end of the tube.
- 7
Crumple this second piece of aluminum foil into a loose ball and insert it into the open end, on top of the rice.
- 8
Securely tape the second aluminum foil square over the open end of the tube, ensuring no gaps.
- 9
Decorate the outside of your rain stick using paint, markers, stickers, or by wrapping it with construction paper and yarn.
- 10
Allow any paint or glue to dry completely before playing.
Tips & Troubleshooting
- 1Experiment with different filler materials like dried beans, small beads, or even small pasta shapes to create different rain sounds.
- 2For a more secure seal, use two layers of tape on each end of the rain stick.
- 3If your child is younger, pre-cut the foil squares and assist with the taping to make it easier.
- 4Encourage children to draw or glue on pictures related to rain, clouds, or nature for a thematic touch.
Advertisement
Frequently Asked Questions
What materials do I need for a preschool rain stick?
You'll need an empty cardboard tube, uncooked rice (or similar filler), aluminum foil, strong tape, scissors, and decorative items like paint or stickers.
How long does it take to make a rain stick for preschoolers?
This craft typically takes about 30 minutes to assemble, not including drying time for any paint or glue decorations.
What kind of sound does a rain stick make?
A rain stick makes a soothing, gentle sound that mimics falling rain as the filler material slowly trickles down the inside of the tube.
Can toddlers make a rain stick?
Yes, toddlers can participate with adult supervision. They can help with decorating and pouring the rice, while an adult handles the taping and cutting.
Free: 10 Paper Crafts Anyone Can Make in 5 Minutes
Get our beginner guide + new craft ideas weekly.
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Did you complete this activity?
Related
You might also like
Advertisement