This is probably a bizarre question but hope someone can help

My mum is a teacher and wants to make some sort of drum instrument for her children to keep rhythm with while reading. Has anyone got some imaginative ideas on how to do this cheaply and relatively easily? They don't have to look wonderful , just be safe for kids.

Many thanks , Kate

biscuit /sweet tin with baking parchment (may have to be double) across the top and sellotaped round. Could get parents to send in tins. Decorate for xmas. Not elegant but may work. Also how about a car chamois leather stretch across would have to try that one out

This is pretty much how I used to make mine.

http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-Homemade-Drum

If you put some dried peas or lentils or similar in the tins (large coffee tins are good too, but not as easily available) you get an additional interesting sound.