Make a Homemade Kalimba to Study Music in Your Next ESL English Class
In my English classes, I always try to incorporate fun activities to keep my ESL students motivated and excited. So I decided to make a DIY craft kalimba with my students at Step by Step Kids Eikaiwa in Japan. It was a fun experience to learn about the unique African instrument. We could also study English related to music and making instruments for kids.
After learning the English words for the materials to make DIY craft kalimbas (paper bowl, popsicle sticks, glue, wood, etc.) , we practiced words related to music (long, short, high, low, sound, note, etc.) If you have more time for this lesson, you can also study other instruments in English and practice the questions, “Can you play the piano?” and “What instrument can you play?” for example.
A DIY craft
Kalimba is perfect for this kind of lesson because it’s easy to make and it’s unique. I got the idea from
Kodaly and Orff Music Teacher’s blog and made a few modifications. By the way, check the awesome video below of the great sound you can make with an authentic African kalimba.