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Sticks, stones, shells and strings – how could you make music from all of these things?
If you explore the diverse cultures from the Asian-Pacific region you’ll find some truly beautiful and unique musical instruments fashioned from these materials. And most of them date back at least several hundred years as part of the music, dance and ritual of these beautiful regions. Here are 6 of our favorites, plus lots of links to activites and free resources.
Sticks – Pu’ili
Although bamboo grows throughout almost all the countries of this region, Hawaii and Polynesia have fashioned dried bamboo into rhythm sticks used as part of 
the hula tradition. You can read more about how pu’ili – bamboo rhythm sticks – or check out an easy craft to make your own here:
Make Your Own Pu’ili Sticks Pu’ili Hula Demonstration 
Stones
‘Ili’ili are smooth river rocks, held in a dancer’s hands and plated almost like castanets. Used as a part of a special kind of hula, called hula ‘ili’ili, these basic instrument made from stones can inspire all kinds of easy rhythmic play for kids.
Shells
Did you know there were special conch-shell trumpets used by the Samurai? Although similar instruments are also seen in Korea, Tibet and the Pacific Islands, here’s a short post about how specially crafted shell trumpets were used by both Buddhist monks and warriors in ancient Japan.
Rattles
The bolang gu (波浪鼓); also called a monkey drum or pellet drum is a unique rattle that dates back to the Song Dynasty of China. Also seen as part of religious ceremonies in Tibet, Mongolia, India, and Taiwan, this is an easy and fun instrument to make to explore any of these cultures or for general musical play with your child.
Strings
With roots in both Portuguese and Polynesian culture, the ukulele is a popular “first instrument” for many kids to try. Learn more about it’s background or color your own version here:
History and Background of the Ukulele Ukulele Coloring Page 
2 Strings That Sing
Although you might not recognize the name of this instrument, you’ve certainly heard the sound of this 2 stringed violin called an erhu. Dating back to the Xi people of Central Asia, this beautifully bowed instrument is now popular in Chinese orchestras and modern musical ensembles as well as in jazz, pop and even rock groups around the world. Learn more about the erhu or color your own version at the links below.
What Can An Erhu Do? Color An Erhu
Multicultural Kid Blogs is excited to announce our second annual Asian-Pacific American Heritage Month Blog Series and Giveaway! See our main page for a full schedule, and be sure to enter the amazing giveaway below!
The giveaway starts Monday, May 4 and goes through Monday, June 1. Enter for a chance to win one of these amazing prizes!
Please note that there are shipping restrictions on some prizes. In the event that the winner lives outside of the shipping area, that portion of the prize will be added to the following prize package.
Grand Prize Package
The Grand Prize Package includes:
Personal Tea Ceremony Gift Set from Gift a Feast
Includes everything you need to prepare and enjoy matcha, the tea served in traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. Enjoy being part of the journey of matcha tea from the temples of 12th century Buddhist monks to today! US shipping only
Calin Yang Doll from Pattycake Doll Company
For the parents of Multicultural, Biracial, Black or Asian children, finding that perfect doll used to be a challenge. But today all that has changed. Pattycake Doll Company is the recognized source for Black, Asian, Hispanic, Biracial, and Multicultural Dolls as well as Dolls for Boys, and donate 10% of profits to children’s charities. This month’s contest winner will receive the most popular Asian Baby Doll in the world – Calin Yang by Corolle.
Asian Kites from Tuttle Publishing
Kids will learn how to make colorful kites while exploring Asian culture and history with this easy-to-follow crafts for kids book.
All About Japan from Tuttle Publishing
2012 Creative Child Magazine Preferred Choice Award Winner! A cultural adventure for kids, All About Japan offers a journey to a new place—and ways to bring it to life! Dive into stories, play some games from Japan, learn some Japanese songs.
Hello, Bali from Kids Yoga Stories
Say good day to the magical island of Bali through these energizing yoga poses for kids. Join one of the Yoga Kids, Anamika, as you surf like a surfer, dance like a Balinese dancer, and sit like a monkey. Included is a list of Kids Yoga Poses, Basic Indonesian phrases, and a Parent-Teacher Guide with tips on creating a successful yoga experience.
1st Prize Package
The 1st Prize Package includes:
Udon Noodle Bowls from Uncommon Goods
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or lounging on the couch, this creation is ideal for udon, soup or stir-fry. A blend of a mug and a bowl, the handmade piece is contoured to fit snugly in the palm of your hand. Black lacquer bamboo chopsticks included. US Shipping only
Japanese House Architectural Blocks Set from HABA
One of the oldest cultures in the world also has one of the most beautiful forms of architecture. Complicated multi-tier roofs and ornate pagodas allow the builder to create temples, palaces or calming formal gardens. With this set your child can take their imagination on a trip to Japan in the safety of their own living room. US/Canada Shipping Only
All About Indonesia from Tuttle Publishing
A book for children that takes them on an adventure through one of the world’s largest and most culturally diverse countries. Along the way, kids are introduced to Indonesian culture and history, the food, the language, and the natural beauty of this fascinating country!
Fun with Asian Food from Tuttle Publishing
This Asian cookbook for kids contains fun and easy recipes that children will love to cook and dishes that even the pickiest eaters will savor!
Indian Children’s Favorite Stories from Tuttle Publishing
This colorfully illustrated multicultural children’s book presents Indian fairy tales and other folk stories—providing insight into a rich literary culture.
2nd Prize Package
The 2nd Prize Package includes:
Sushi Slicing Play Set from Melissa & Doug
This elegant 24-piece wooden sushi play-food set is packed in a beautiful storage box and includes sliceable sushi rolls, shrimp, tuna, easy-use chopsticks, a cleaver and more. Sushi rolls make realistic chopping sounds when sliced! US/Canada Shipping Only
Countryside from Kevin So
An album filled with “heartfelt great songs, great singing and great playing…simply something you’ll love if you’re a fan of originality, melody, surprising lyrics and beautiful instrumentation, beautifully played.” Learn more about this artist and listen to samples of his work here.
Book from the Maui New Zealand series from Global Kids Oz
Enjoy a book of from this collection of New Zealand Maori Myths and Legends that every New Zealand child is brought up with in school!
Angkat: The Cambodian Cinderella from Lee & Low
In the first English retelling of this ancient Cambodian tale, our heroine goes further, survives more, and has to conquer her own mortality to regain her rightful place. Angkat—child of ashes—endures great wrongs as she seeks to rise above the distresses caused by her own family. US Shipping only
Summoning the Phoenix: Poems and Prose About Chinese Musical Instruments from Lee & Low
Including both flights of fancy and practical considerations, lively poems capture each child’s musical experience with a different Chinese instrument, while sidebars provide more information about each one. US Shipping only
Sixteen Years in Sixteen Seconds: The Sammy Lee Story from Lee & Low
The incredible true story of the first Asian American to win an Olympic gold medal. Winner of Lee & Low’s New Voices Award. US Shipping only
Juna’s Jar from Lee & Low
When her best friend moves away, Juna sets out to search for him with the help of a special jar. What Juna finds is that adventure—and new friends—can be found in the most unexpected places. US Shipping only
A Place Where Sunflowers Grow from Lee & Low
A powerful story of hope, recounting the little known tale of the art schools that offered moments of solace and self-expression to Japanese Americans in the US internment camps of World War II. US Shipping only
Enter for a Chance to Win!
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Daria
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