Making the rain sticks was really simple. Isabelle used some felt tips to decorate the outside of one of the toilet roll tubes. She concentrated so hard on doing this, as it was exceptionally tricky as she initially didn't hold the tube so every time she tried to draw....the tube rolled away. Eventually, she worked out that if she held on to the tube she could draw more easily, and concentrated on getting her felt tip in just the right place. She is very precise with her drawing and, although it doesn't look like she actually made many marks, she sat for around 5 minutes changing colour, drawing a little, then changing color again. This was definitely her favorite part of the activity.
To seal the ends of the rain stick, I cut out two circles of card and used some washi
tape to hold it in place, and add a little bit more color to the rain stick. I put a handful of rice inside and sealed it up, and the rain stick was done!
I was surprised to find Isabelle wasn't actually much interested in using the rain stick to make noise. She usually LOVES making noise, and an empty milk carton filled with rice/pasta/beans is one way I keep her busy while I am in the kitchen. I'm not sure if maybe it was because she wasn't in the best mood (understatement!) or if she just wasn't interested, but either way our beautifully decorated rain stick is yet to get it's moment of play in the sun.
I really wanted her to love this, as I think making sounds is such an important part of sensory play. She has a beautiful wooden music station, and I love hearing her making 'music' with it. Who knows, maybe tomorrow will be rain stick day....