Making Sounds at Home: Umbrella sounds 1

A great sensory activity that explores the sounds and sensations of falling rain at home!

This guide is part of our Sense Arts, Sport & Wellbeing programme. This activity can be done at a time that suits you, either in your own space or in an educational setting.

Who is this for?

This is a crafting activity for people who are deafblind or have complex disabilities and can be enjoyed by anyone.

Why does this make a difference?

This is a sensory activity that helps people explore sound and vibrations.

How to do this activity

What you’ll need

  • An umbrella (bigger the better)
  • Paper
  • Tape
  • Rice (or similar)
An A4 piece of paper is attached to an umbrella. The view is looking down on top of the umbrella so that you can see how the fold of the paper is bent away from the umbrella to create the funnel.

Step 1

Fold a piece of paper lengthways and tape it to the outside of the umbrella to create a funnel.
A bag is shown taped under the end of the paper funnel to the edge of the umbrella. / --

Step 2

Tape a bag over the end of the funnel to catch the rice.
Pouring rice from a blue bag onto a black umbrella

Step 3

Pour rice over the umbrella
One person is sitting under an umbrella listening as the other pours rice over it from above

Step 4

Take turns to sit and hold the umbrella while your partner slowly pours rice into the funnel for a soothing rainy sound.

Top tips

  • Set the session up seated or standing
  • You could tape the umbrella handle to something to keep it in place above the person experiencing the sounds
  • Try swapping rice for couscous or other grains

Content created by Tom Peel