Your Child Will Learn
How to build a sculpture and use everyday objects to make music
Here’s What to Do
- Gather 5-8 small hard pieces that will make sounds for a wind chime, like metal washers and gaskets, spoons and forks, tin cans, keys, shells, beads, coins, etc.
- (Optional) Have your child paint these pieces and let them dry overnight.
- Use durable tape to adhere each piece to a string, then tie each string to a hanger.
- Hang the wind chime outside on a windy day. Listen to the different sounds your wind chime makes.
Put PEER Into Action
PAUSE
- Close your eyes and listen to the sounds you hear around you.
ENGAGE
- “Do you think this old key would make a good sound? What should we put next to it to make a noise?”
- “How do you want your wind chime to look? Should you add some different colors or textures?”
ENCOURAGE
- “You’re working so hard to make your wind chime. Keep going!”
- Smile and show excitement when the wind chime produces sound after hanging it
REFLECT
- Ask your child what pieces make the most sound on the wind chime, and why they think some objects make more sounds than others.
Not Quite Ready
Have your child paint fewer pieces for the wind chime.
Ready for More
Try making a more elaborate wind chime. Add multiple objects on each string, or try a different shaped base (like: bending a metal coat hanger into a circle). Try designing your wind chime so it can hold up to outdoor weather.
As Your Child Masters This Skill
They will practice painting and sculpture making, and will know that different objects make different sounds
Time to Complete
20-30 minutes
Materials Needed
small hard pieces (pebbles, metal washers and gaskets, shells, beads, coins), durable string, durable tape, paint, wind chime base (hanger or stick)