Shaker Bottle Shake

What you need

• a small plastic bottle with dry rice inside
• open floor space
• a strip of tape

How to do it

1. Screw the lid on the bottle and tape it shut so the rice stays inside.
2. Hand your toddler the taped bottle and let them give it a shake.
3. Shake your own hands empty in time with them as a beat.
4. Try shaking high, low, fast and slow, naming each one.
5. Stop still and quiet, then start again on your signal.

Why it matters

Shaking a rattly sound-maker and matching stop-and-go moments builds listening and self-control together.

What they're learning

listening focus

Freezing when the shaking stops trains the same attentive listening needed for following instructions later.

sound exploration

Noticing how a full bottle sounds different from an empty hand builds early awareness of cause and effect.

gross motor rhythm

Shaking to a beat with their whole arm builds the coordination used in dancing and sport.

What to look for

Watch for them stopping the shake themselves the moment you go quiet.

A tip

Check the lid and the tape before handing the bottle over, and supervise throughout.

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