Rain sticks are well loved by babies and older children. They are also particularly good for people living with dementia.  They remind people of the sound of gently falling rain, which is harmonious and relaxing.
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Traditionally, rain sticks are hollowed out plant stalks filled with pebbles or seeds.

For centuries, indigenous people from all over the world have used rain sticks in ceremonies to attract rain.

Rain sticks are well loved by babies and older children. They are also particularly good for people living with dementia. They remind people of the sound of gently falling rain, which is harmonious and relaxing.

Rain Sticks are so easy to make! Clients who enjoy craft activities will love making them.

Materials:

  • Cardboard tubes (recycled)
  • Cardboard
  • Duct tape (any colour)
  • Scissors
  • Rice, or dried beans, macaroni, lentils, whatever you have on hand
  • Contact paper
  • Aluminium foil

Decorations

Rain sticks may be:

  • Sprayed painted
  • Brush painted
  • Covered with wrapping paper
  • Covered in glitter

Instructions:

  • Trace and cut out two circles from one end of tube onto cardboard to make the ‘lids’
  • Decorate tubes as desired
  • Close one side of the tube with a cardboard circle using duct tape
  • Tear off two or three pieces of aluminium foil a little taller than the tube
  • Fold and crumple each piece of aluminium foil
  • Weave the aluminum pieces together and place inside tube
  • Insert a quarter cup of rice or other grains into the tube
  • Seal the end with another cardboard circle and duct tape
  • Cover rain maker in contact paper for endurance (optional)

Video Instructions


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Comments   Post a Comment

James 11th Sep 2018 Life Enhancement Director
Could P V C pipe be used for this project?
Solange 12th Sep 2018 Diversional Therapist
Hi James, yes, PVC pipes can be used as long as you make sure it is safe, meaning the open sides are properly taped so that dementia residents cannot open it. Than you.
Lori D 30th May 2018 LNHA
I love rain sticks! I have many at home that I purchased for my granddaughter when she was born. They have such a soothing sound. We have 3 levels of care and I am going to have my Independent and assisted residents make these for our low functioning residents. Will incorporate into our 1:1's
Talita 4th Jun 2018
Thanks so much for your feedback Lori!
Sharon 3rd Sep 2016 Retired
Would love to find a story with group participation so they could use them in a story or a song
Georgina 18th May 2016 Lifestyle Co-ordinater
Thank you. We will make these in craft this week. The residents love making things in craft and i think they will enjoy this activity.
Talita 18th May 2016
I hope they do! Please let us know how it goes. Thanks Georgina.
Sherlene 18th May 2016 Activities Coordinator
Thanks for the idea! we will be making these in arts & crafts next week. Will let you know how they come out!!
Talita 18th May 2016
Yes please do Sherlene! Thank you!
Sherrie 17th May 2016 Recreational Therapist
Thank you! I tried to make rainsticks once and they didn't quite sound right, but now that I see how to do the foil I will try again!
Talita 18th May 2016
Hopefully this was the missing link Sherrie! Love to hear how it turns out.
kay 17th May 2016
Looks really easy to make and looks like fun
Talita 18th May 2016
Thanks Kay, love to hear how you go with your rain sticks. They are so simple and fun to make!
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