Sound Shakers

Sound Shakers

Create your own Sound Shakers! This DIY material is a derivative of the traditional Montessori Material the ‘Sound Boxes’. They are designed to assist children with developing the auditory sense so they are able to differentiate between different sounds. Sound shakers offer a hands-on, multisensory experience that supports early listening skills, sound recognition, and language development.

To support this activity, see our video demonstration which models how to introduce sound shakers to your infant. The educator uses small bottles filled with different materials such as salt, rocks, bells, and beads, each offering a unique sound experience. The goal is to offer simple yet meaningful interactions that promote auditory discrimination and curiosity.

As highlighted in the video, it’s essential to seal each bottle tightly with superglue or tape to ensure safety. These sound bottles should always be used under supervision, especially with infants who are still mouthing objects.

Sound shakers can be introduced from birth onwards and are particularly engaging for babies around five to six months of age who are beginning to reach, grasp, and follow sounds. The activity not only refines hearing, but also promotes hand-eye coordination, concentration, and sensory exploration.

To keep your child interested over time, consider rotating the materials inside the bottles. You might create themed sets based on volume (quiet vs. loud), material (natural vs. synthetic), or texture (smooth vs. gritty sounds). This adds a layer of curiosity and helps build auditory memory.

Home Lesson One

1. Source a range of recycled bottles and fill them with a variety of objects that create different sounds such as salt, rocks, bells and beads
2. Add a dab of superglue or tape to the lid to ensure your child can’t open the bottle
3. Place the bottles in a basket
4. Present your infant with one bottle at a time and shake the contents
5. Use language such as “loud” and “soft” to describe the different sounds
6. If your child reaches for the bottle allow your child to explore the bottle and shake it on their own

This activity promotes both auditory learning and language development. Try using descriptive words like “rattling,” “quiet,” or “sharp” to enhance vocabulary.

Home Lesson Two

1. Play a game with your child by shaking the sound bottles in different locations, such as behind your back, to encourage them to track the sound

This supports auditory memory, spatial awareness, and focus. You can also experiment with left and right positioning or different rhythms to keep your child engaged.

To make it more interactive, try a “sound hide and seek” game by hiding a shaker behind a cushion or under a scarf and encouraging your child to find the source of the sound.