[HANASHIR:14556] Re: Other rhythm instruments...

[rahel <rahel...>]

At 10:36 AM 6/10/2003 -0400, you wrote:
>Hi everyone--Film cases with rice inside make great, not to mention cheap, 
>rhythm shakers.


Just a word of caution about film cases AND plastic Easter eggs filled with 
rice and egg shakers in general -

I have worked with children aged from babies and up for 20 years. I also 
train and certify others to work musically with young children. Although 
film cases etc. are very attractive and easy to manipulate, they are also a 
safety hazard - normally I would say when working with children UP TO 5 
years, but I tend to also give a warning to any age. Thank G-d this has not 
happened to me, but I have heard others tell horror stories about these 
small objects getting stuck in children's mouths. Don't forget that young 
children learn through their mouths - and even older children habitually 
and without thinking put things in their mouths. Mouths are much bigger 
then they seem and CAN actually house film cases, eggs and egg shakers.

I always make a point to mention this when training teachers. You must have 
100 eyes constantly peeled on every child you are working with. Accidents 
only take a short second to occur. It's best to use preventive measures to 
be sure they don't happen!!

All the best,

Rahel