Abiyoyo story and rhythm sticks

Have you ever read or heard the story of Abiyoyo? Here is a little video clip of the story. The Abiyoyo book linked previously is a bit different then the video. The CD has way more music to it. I haven't listened or read this story in ages so I was surprised when Sierra started singing Abiyoyo this afternoon on our walk. (Obviously she is listening to her teachers when she spends time at our Fleetwood daycare as she must have heard it there) We use rhythm sticks with the children at daycare during the chorus of the story, and they ALL LOVE it!

With us being in Richmond at the time, we went to Daiso which is a basically $2 store in Richmond (nothing over $2 unless otherwise clearly marked). We bought some felt, wooden trees, cute earasers and notepads. While we were there we also bought a couple hollow wooden tubes to make rhythm sticks and made these:


If you don't live near a Daiso and can't find hollow wooden dowels you can make your own with a regular wooden dowel (they work the same, the sound is just a bit different). Here's a simple how to:

1) Go to your favourite home renovation store and buy a piece of dowelling (wooden rod). You want a piece that is about 3/4 to 1 inch in diameter and cut to about 8 inches in length. You will need 2 pieces cut. Most places have a table and hand saw set up so you can cut your piece in the store.

2) Sand the cut edges smooth.

3) Draw on a pattern or free hand paint with non toxic paints such as acryllic paint, tempera paints or water colours (since Sierra is only 2 we painted our sticks today with tempera paint).

4) Allow to dry and then seal with modge podge (I will do this step tomorrow). This seals the paint to the dowel and adds a shiny finish. (If you prefer a non shiny finish Modge Podge comes in a variety of lustres. Any wood cream or sealer will also work.)

5) Use your rythum sticks to keep the beat to Abiyoyo, or a favourite tune. Practice your Ta Ta Te Te Ta's....remember those from elementary music calss :)

Here is Sierra painting and singing Abiyoyo


For a more natural look you could just paint a band of colour on one end, or just add on some rub ons for a small design. Even the youngest of children could just add some stickers. However you choose to decorate these I guarantee your children will have fun! Bring out the pots and pans and have a family musical marching band!

For us, rhythm sticks is a good way to introduce following a beat. I also found this cute tutorial on making a small guitar if you'd rather. Either way, I hope you enjoy Abiyoyo!!!