• A variety of rhythm instruments are available to stimulate children's musical creativity.Lisa Stirling/Digital Vision/Getty Images
  
  Not only can music entertain your child and allow her to explore creative outlets, but according to the "Newsweek" article on "Your Child's Brain," music "excites the inherent brain patterns and enhances their use in complex reasoning tasks.'' Researchers believe that the earlier the music is introduced to the child, the better the influence is. Children as young as three years of age can instantly begin playing with rhythm instruments as they develop their musical abilities.
  
  

Egg Shakers

• As the name implies, egg shakers are rhythm instruments that are shaped like eggs. Approximately 2 inches in length, the egg shaker creates a soft, maraca-like sound when it is shaken. Children can hold two eggs, one in each hand, and shake the eggs. They can learn about tempo as they shake quickly, then slowly.
  
  

Cymbals

• Equipped with a small handle that is the right fit for little hands, the cymbals will create a high, metallic clang when they are banged together. Children can experiment with the different types of sounds produced with the cymbals by holding the instruments tightly or in a more loose fashion. A child may hit a single cymbal with a wooden drumstick to make a new sound.
  
  

Sand Blocks

• The sand blocks are two wooden blocks with attached handles. The surface of the blocks is covered with a sheet of sandpaper so that when the blocks are rubbed together, they make a rough, scratching sound. In addition to rubbing the blocks together, children can experiment by banging the blocks.
  
  

Tambourine

• To play a tambourine, children just need to shake the instrument and soft peals of sound will be produced.Petits tambourins chinois image by Bruno Bernier from Fotolia.com
  
  A simple percussion instrument, a tambourine has a series of metal discs attached to its side. When the instrument is shaken, the discs make a peal of sound. The tambourine can also be hit to create a pounding rhythm, or it can even be tapped lightly against parts of the child's body.
  
  

Triangle

• The metal triangle is a classic musical instrument for kids. When it is hit with a metal striker, a clear ringing sound is made. Children can use the attached string to hold the triangle and strike the instrument, or, to vary the sound, children can directly hold the triangle with their hands.