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How to Make Really Easy Bongos for Kids

Bongo drums began in the 1800s in Cuba, roughly around the time that slavery was abolished. The bongos are typically two different sizes and held between the knees during playing. Turn a boring afternoon into a musical one by using household items to make a set of bongo drums for your child to enjoy.

Things You'll Need

  • White construction paper
  • Scissors
  • Glue stick or glue gun
  • 2 Oatmeal canisters
  • Paint, markers or crayons
  • Two large wooden beads
  • Ribbon
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Instructions

    • 1

      Empty two oatmeal canisters completely and remove the label. Cut a piece of construction paper to fit around the outside of each canister and use a glue stick to glue them on.

    • 2

      Have your child decorate the canisters using crayons, markers or paint. Let the canisters dry completely.

    • 3

      Glue a large wooden bead approximately one-third of the way down one of the canisters. Wait for it to dry and glue another one two-thirds of the way down. When the beads dry, place glue on the exposed side of the bead and stick the other canister to it to make the drums stay together. If you want a more secure hold, use a glue gun.

    • 4

      Glue one end of the ribbon to the outside of the canisters. Use a piece of ribbon large enough to fit over your child's neck and shoulders. Glue the opposite end to the other side of the canister

Music Basics

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