Activity Page 4

A Child's Glimpse of Cuba
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Activity Page 4

Make Maracas

Children can make maracas to shake in rhythm to the Cuban rumba or other music. In Cuba,maracas are made from gourds. These maracas are made with papier maché, but a simpler version can be made with small boxes such as those that contain individual servings of cereal.

What You Need

round balloons and string
newspaper torn into strips
paper towels
wheat paste and water
flat aluminum pie pans
masking tape
dowel sticks
small pebbles or aquarium gravel
tempera (water-based) paint in three bright colors
brushes and water jars

What You Do

In an aluminum pan, mix the wheat paste in water according to package directions.
Have the children inflate the balloons slightly and tie the end.
Show the children how to dip the strips of newspaper in the wheat paste, slide between their fingers to remove excess paste, and smooth over the balloons. Tell them to leave a space at the bottom, where the knot is, and at the top, where the dowel will be placed.
When the balloons are completely covered with strips of newspaper, have children add a final layer of strips of paper towels dipped in paste. Set the balloons aside to dry thoroughly.
When the papier maché is dry, you or the leader supervising the activity pierce the layers with a needle to burst the balloons inside their papier maché shells.
Have the children pour some small pebbles or aquarium gravel through the hole in the bottom of the shell. Help them slide in the dowel and tape securely at top and bottom.
Have the children paint the maracas one color and let dry. Then they can add designs using the other colors (see illustration).