Soothing Rain Bottles

Rainsticks make the best soothing noise! For our kid friendly version, all you need is:

• A water bottle
• Straws for cutting
• Dry rice!

Straws are a great early practice for cutting because they just take one big SNIP! Warning, they may go flying when snipping, so help your little to hold on tight.

Fill your bottle about half way up with straws and then use a small cup or funnel to pour in dry rice. We used some fun foam stickers to decorate. If you are worried about your little opening up the bottle and making a mess, you can glue or tape the lid shut when you are done. 

Did you know that rainsticks were traditionally made with cacti that were dried in the sun and then pebbles or other small objects were placed inside and the ends were sealed? When the instruments were tipped they would make the sound of falling water. It is believed that rainsticks were first used by the Mapuches in what is modern day Chile and Argentina, to call thunderstorms. Similar instruments can be also found in Southeast Asia, Australia, and Africa where they are often made of bamboo.

Perform activities recommended by Walk, Talk, Play at your own risk with appropriate adult supervision provided. Walk, Talk, Play is not responsible for any injury caused while performing these play activities.