During Making Rainbow classes, we provide various opportunities for children to explore with a variety of music, movement and sensory play activities. Kids especially love playing the drums and shakers.

While children playing musical instruments, the brain is getting a great workout! They learn how their bodies move in space, how their body parts interact with each other, how to listen and change sounds, follow basic musical concepts (temp and dynamics) and practice their fine motor skills.

DIY Shaker for Home

It’s easy to make a shaker at home for kids to enjoy too. Try different activities, for example shaking fast and slow, or saying “stop” where they have to freeze.

Because we love all things rainbow, we made a rainbow shaker using an empty bottle, but you can use a variety of different materials, depending on what you have on hand.

Ideas include:

• Paper clips
• Small pebbles
• Small twigs
• Cinnamon sticks
• Seed Pods
• Star Anise
• Beads
• Rice
• Coloured Rice
• Pasta
• Lentils
• Sand
• Dirt
• 5 cent coins (or other small change)
• Small shells
• Buttons
• Small plastic figures
• Glitter, Sequins or Confetti (added with something heavy so it looks pretty but still makes a sound)

Simply fill an empty bottle with ingredients (leave enough space for the items inside to move) and tape the lid up. This activity is designed to be supervisied at all times.

Rainbow Rice Shaker

To make your own rainbow bottle shaker, follow the instructions on how to make rainbow rice here, and then simply place a handful inside the empty bottle and SHAKE AWAY!

Miss Tish from Making Rainbows in Toowoomba caught up with Ange and baby Hannah to chat about what the mum and bub duo enjoys about Making Rainbows classes. 

Tell us a bit about yourself

I work in Toowoomba — but I do commute in and out for a Making Rainbows class. I drive about an hour to get here, and make the most of the day here in town.  We are used to the commute, and it’s worth it, to make the opportunity to come along. 

What drew you to Making Rainbows?

When Hannah was about 8 weeks, I was feeling ready to get out of the house and meet some new mums and new bubs.  I was looking for an activity that would encourage sensory play, and Making Rainbows popped up on my social media, and I’m like “OMG, I need to go to that!” I can’t work out if I have more fun or Hannah!

What is your favourite thing about Making Rainbows classes?

My favourite thing is definitely seeing the joy on Hannah’s face, and the other bubs. And all the activities! We haven’t had a double up on the activities in two terms. Second term back now, and I’ll keep coming back. 

What does (bub) Hannah like most about Making Rainbows classes?

She definitely likes the little shakers. Can’t tear the shaker off her when we are about to leave! (I’m glad she’s not at tantrum age yet).  So definitely the little shakers, and the kits the kids get — it’s amazing. 

How important do you think community is for new mums?

So important. I would encourage new mums, new dads, grandparents, aunts, uncles, best friends, to come along. I think reaching out, talking to each other and sharing what’s going on is such a rewarding experience. So not only are the babies benefiting, but the mums as well. I have met some beautiful new people here, and especially you Miss Tish! 

Listen to the full interview in the video below: