Making Instruments: Nail Xylophone

This is one of the best instrument-making projects we've done-- good skills practice, interesting results, and kids love it.

Objectives

Children ages 4-5 are able to order objects by size Cog. IIIB
and ages 3-4 are able to identify objects as bigger than or smaller than Cog. IIIB
All children participating will be able to differentiate the different tones made by the nails
and are able to match numeral on block of wood to numeral on container.

Materials

Six containers with nails varying from large to small. Each container is numbered to correspond to the size of the nail and the numbers on the wooden block, (smallest nails in No. 1 and largest in No. 6); blocks of soft wood, about 2x8" with the numerals 1-6 written about an inch apart and a dot where the nail is to be driven; hammers; some pieces of string or yarn.
SEE ILLUSTRATION.

Procedures

1. Gather children outside (if possible). Give each child a block and ask him/her to read the numerals 1 to 6. Show the children the containers of nails. Point out the numerals on the containers and explain that the nails must be hammered into the block in the right place in order to make a Nail Xylophone.

2. Let each child take a hammer and nail from Container #1. Help get the nails started (if necessary). As each child finishes hammering the first nails in (1/2" or so) ask which nail goes next. Remind child to check the block of wood and the container numerals to get the right nail. Continue until the Xylophones are completed.

3. Use a large nail for the strikers. Help children tie the striker onto the largest nail on the wood block with string or yarn.

4. Let children experiment with the Xylophones. Ask them which nail makes the highest tone? Lowest?

5. Play a Xylophone out of sight and ask the children which nail you are striking.