Students make drums using different recyclable containers and colorful craft supplies. They write a class story to retell the story of "The Drum." Each student colors a printout of the story to share with a younger child. They decide with whom (for example, a local Head Start preschool) they will share their talent of reading the story and giving away their homemade drum.

The learner will:

• retell the story of "The Drum" to write a class story.
• illustrate the story to make a gift for someone.
• make a homemade drum from recycled materials.
• practice drumming a given rhythm.
• practice reading the class book.
• prepare for the service-learning project. 

• chart paper or computer for writing class story
• printout of class story for each student to illustrate
• Recyclable materials (e.g., oatmeal containers, shoe boxes, large yogurt and cottage cheese containers, etc.)
• rubber bands to secure drum tops
• different items that can be stretched across the top to make a drum top (e.g., balloons, plastic, lids)
• colorful ribbons, stickers, paint for decorations
• dowels and beads for drum sticks
• glue 
• beans, small stones, keys, shells, feathers, sequins, etc. for decorations

Day One

Anticipatory Set: 

Ask students to find their heartbeat by placing their hands over their hearts or on a pulse spot (neck or wrist). Ask one student to tap out on his or her desktop the beat of his or her heart. Then ask two or three others to pick up that person's heartbeat. Then see if everyone together can make that same beat.

• Allow time for discussion on the sounds of a heartbeat. Why is it a steady beat?  What makes a heart beat faster or slower? (for example, running, jumping jacks, walking to lunch, or listening to a story, quiet music, etc.)
• Reread the story of "The Drum." Have students tell what the heartbeat of the little boy would be like on his way home from the wedding party. Would it be loud, quick, and excited or slow and quiet? 
• Remind the learners that they have gifts (time, talent, and treasure) to share. Tell them they have a story to tell others about giving generously--"The Drum." Tell them that they are going to do a service project in which they write a class book retelling the story of "The Drum" and share the story with younger children and give them a homemade drum as a gift. Guide them to make some of the decisions about the service project--ideas about preschools where they can share their gifts, how to make the drums, etc.
• For homework, have the students bring to school drum-making supplies, such as empty recyclable containers and colorful craft supplies.

Day Two

• Set up chart paper or project the computer screen on the display board for writing a story together. The students work together to provide the language for a class retelling of the story of "The Drum." Encourage them to use their own words and dialogue to make the story fun and interesting. Revise and edit it together to keep it short and interesting for a young audience.
• Display the drum-making supplies so students can access them and each make a drum that will be given as a gift. Show examples of some of the different types of drums they may make using the available supplies.
• Review the names of the geometric shapes that make up the drum materials (square, rectangle, cube, cylinder, etc.).
• Have students start making their drums. It may take more than one class period.

Day Three

• Teacher Note: Before this class period, print out a copy of the class-written story for each student. They will create covers and illustrate the pages. Make contact with the preschool or other group where the students will be sharing their talents. Ask the organizer of the location about their needs and the number of children in their class. Arrange the details of the visit.
• Give each student a copy of the story they wrote together. Practice reading the story aloud together.
• Give the students time to finish their drums and illustrate their stories. It may take more than one class period. Give them opportunities to practice reading aloud their story to a partner.

Day Four

• When the drums and stories are finished, gather all students in a circle.
• Again, ask one student to "drum" his or her heartbeat in a steady rhythm on his or her new drum. Then allow two or three others to join in with their drums. As you add more drummers, make sure they are still with the beat. Stop if necessary to start a stronger beat. (Have the initial drummer stand so everyone can see him/her easily.)
• Prepare and practice a drumming presentation to perform for the younger children they share their stories and drums with.

• As a variation, allow students to make shakers or other noise makers with toilet paper tubes. The beat will be less obvious, but when played together could demonstrate an interesting complement to the beat. Put corn or beans in toilet paper rolls and cover the ends with aluminum foil or paper.
• You may make some drums and shakers ahead of time to showcase ways to be unique.