Tambourines, cymbals, beaters

Finger cymbals for children (often called finger cymbals or cymbals) are a rhythmic musical instrument consisting of two small metal discs with rubber loops that are worn on the fingers (usually on the thumb and middle finger).

In kindergartens, music classes and at home, this instrument is used to develop a child's sense of rhythm and coordination. Sometimes in children's sets they are embedded in wooden handles (castanets-type) to make it easier for smaller hands to play.

Here's what they are mainly used for and how they help a child's development:

How do they play?

Clapping together: The classic way is to put a disc on the thumb and the other on the middle finger, and rhythmically clap them together (a "knipja" movement).
Palm version: If the child's fingers are still too small, you can give one cymbal in each hand, holding it by the rubber, and teach them to clap them together like large orchestra cymbals.
Developing a sense of rhythm and pulse: Children learn to follow the rhythm of a song or poem. They can play along with the music playing in the background by hitting "accents" on the strong beats.
Fine motor skills training: In order to put the cymbals on their fingers and hit them accurately against each other, the child needs to train their finger muscles and eye-hand coordination.
Sound experiments (Acoustics): Children learn to distinguish the nuances of sound. If the cymbals are held open after being struck, they sound beautifully and for a long time (echo). If they are immediately pressed to the palm of the hand or grabbed after being struck, the sound is muffled ("dry" click).
Illustrating fairy tales and stories: They are often used as a "sound effect" in music lessons. For example, cymbals can represent the sound of a magic wand, raindrops, a flowing stream, or the ticking of a clock in a fairy tale.
Movement games: Children can play the game "One, two, three - freeze!". While the cymbals are playing, the children dance; as soon as the adult muffles the sound, the children must freeze.

This is a great, inexpensive and very sounding first instrument that helps a child make friends with the world of music.