Homemade Rain Sticks for Creative Movement

I’m always thrilled to discover new forms of affordable creative rhythm instruments to use for creative movement exercises in the long-term care community. In my previous work at Brookside, I equipped a movable cart with maracas, spoons, fly swatters, Elvis paper plates, egg shakers, wooden dowel sticks, hand-clappers, pin wheels, and more – all to be used in our “Movers and Shakers” exercise group. I discovered that the residents enjoyed playing with instruments that were noisy and colorful.

Just last week, I discovered that the VBS program at my local church had the children build their own rain sticks out of toilet paper rolls and “table paper” rolls (the rolls that hold medical exam table paper). The children filled the tubes with rice and secured the ends with mint cups and rubber bands. They covered them with various shades of fluorescent construction paper.

It’s always fun to expand one’s repertoire of creative ideas!

Kareen King is a Registered Drama Therapist and founder of The Golden Experience, offering keynotes, concerts, and workshops to enrich lives in long-term care. For booking information, contact her at kking@thegoldenexperience.com or visit www.thegoldenexperience.com.

Kareen’s CD’s which feature original songs that give voice to individuals in long-term care settings, have been used as caregiver training tools, gifts for long-term care staff and volunteers, and for personal inspiration. To hear samples and to purchase, click http://www.cdbaby.com/Artist/KareenKing.