Holidays & Celebrations Archives - Page 3 of 6

Hanukkah Music Activities for Elementary Students

Hanukkah is the Jewish Festival of Lights and is celebrated on different days every year. Based on the Hebrew lunar calendar, it usually falls in December.

In music, I like to take all celebrations, holidays, and observances and look at several factors that are common to all of them-food, colors, traditions, and music!

I then love to teach about them using a book, game, dance, and music. Wish we could add FOOD!

Exploring Cultural Traditions With Music

October through December is a perfect time to talk about traditions including Diwali, Halloween, Day of the Dead, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, and Kwanzaa.

I always asked, “Does everybody in the world celebrate everything?” It was a way to say that we can learn about it all, even if we don’t personally celebrate it.

It’s a great way to honor each child, which is culturally responsive teaching, and expose them to new cultures.

It was especially wonderful if there were children who celebrated Hanukkah and would share about their traditions.

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Hanukkah Resources

Books About Hanukkah for the Classroom

Board books and simple rhyming texts work beautifully in the music room because students can absorb meaning visually while you highlight musical or cultural elements.

Hanukkah: The Festival of Lights

I love to use board books or ones with rhyming words. I want the learning to come mainly from the images.

Hanukkah Songs

I Have a Little Dreidel SONG

This classic song is an easy entry point for students. You can:

Sing the traditional melody
Add simple motions
Let older students accompany on classroom instruments
Connect the lyrics to the real dreidel game

HanukPop Demon Hunters Maccabeats Hanukkah Medley

What a combo! The Medley includes Latkes, My Idol, Spinning Top, Still Golden, and What It Sounds Like.

Hanukkah Games

The Dreidel Game

We always played the Dreidel game in class. Slides with the meaning for each side of the dreidel were projected so groups could refer to it. I played with K-5 and they always looked forward to this every year.

I found dreidels in bulk at Target (ages ago before Amazon) 🤣 and then bought pony beads for the “candy.”

Hanukkah Music Activities with Instruments

Easy Ukulele Chords C & G7 for The Dreidel Song

If your students play ukulele, Hanukkah is a great time to introduce or practice C and G7 chord changes using simple songs like “I Have a Little Dreidel.”

Hanukkah Google Slides Presentation

This Google Slide presentation was shared by Ms. Stern from the Facebook Music Teachers Idea Bank group. It has lots of different activities to learn about Hanukkah. She says to feel free to change the bitmoji and make it your own!

Nutcracker Activities for Music | Movement, Lessons, and Books

Here are some favorite lesson plans and activities for the music classroom to teach The Nutcracker Ballet plus some NEW resources to spark life into our teaching of this perennial classic.

Nutcracker ballet elementary music resources, activities, and video blog cover image

The Playlist

This post may contain affiliate links. I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure.

For Older Students: PLAY the Chinese Tea Dance on Barred Instruments

With its call and response form, this is the perfect barred instrument activity for December!

PLUS, movement ideas using partners and the whole class with and without props!

Take Me to tpt

Tea Dance Video

Septime Webre’s reimagined Tea Dance for the Cheung Chau Bun Festival

More December Games & Activities
Find other lesson ideas for December on the Winter, Holiday, and Christmas Music Games & Activities blog post!

Cultural Stereotypes in the Nutcracker

Each performance of the Nutcracker uses an artistic director who helps determine the costuming, dancing, makeup, and scenery for the ballet.

The ballet dates back to a time when ethnic caricatures were standard practice in the performances.

This is particularly true in Act II with the dances related to the Chinese, Arabian, Russian, and Spanish dances.

As music specialists, this is important to take into consideration if we choose to use videos in our teaching. Read more.

Here’s an excellent interview on NPR about “Rethinking Cultural Stereotypes in The Nutcracker.”

🎄Nutcracker Merch

Nutcracker Character Sweatshirt

IZYJOY Women Christmas Nutcracker Sweatshirt Xmas Ballet Lovers Oversized Top Crewneck Long Sleeve Pullover Holiday Tee(Green,Medium)

Adorable character sweatshirt!

Definitely NOT an ugly sweater!

(affiliate link)

Nutcracker Decor

These items from Oriental Trading Company can be used for Nutcracker Ballet-themed concert and classroom decor, student crafts, and movement activities.

Books

These are two of my favorite books to use in the classroom. Both are so engaging, one with the pop-up feature (on the left) and musical selections (on the right). I even bought a second copy of the pop up book because I used the original one for so many years.

The Nutcracker: A Pop-Up Book

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker: Press the note to hear Tchaikovsky’s music (Volume 2) (The Story Orchestra, 2)

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Nutcracker Museum

At this school, students were asked to bring in a family Nutcracker and were put into this fun Nutcracker Museum display! (Remember to have the student’s name and room clearly labeled.)

Add this to your end-of-year evaluation Danielson (or similar) Domain 1b: Teacher-designed opportunities for families to share their heritages.

Nutcracker toy community display table image

Nutcracker Play Along Videos

March of the Toy Soldiers-Barred & Sticks (Gr. 2-5)

Lesson Ideas

March of the Soldiers Movement Activity

Motion Terms
March-in place or around room
Flick-hands/fingers flick similar to flicking water on someone
Wind Up Toy-arms bent (mechanical looking) and move from waist up/down like a wind up toy
Scurry-fingers are like a little mouse scurrying down arm

A: March slow 8, then right hand flicks 4 times quickly from high to low, repeat on Lt side high to low, then both arms flick 7 at same time from low to high with a clap on beat 8 (repeat)
B: March slow 4, wind down toy DOWN for fast 4 then UP for fast 4 (repeat) (kind of like the robot dance 🤣)
A:
C: Rt fingers scurry down left arm, repeat on other arm (repeat)
A:
B:
A:

Here’s a video of the movements that I made for a newsletter subscriber while I was on vacation in Moab, Utah!

March of the Soldiers with Stretchy Bands

Quality Brand

Bear Paw Creek Large Stretchy Band

I used the stretchy bands from Bear Paw Creek and loved them for their durability!

Take a Look

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Trepak | Plate Routine

ADORABLE paper plates for the above routine would look spectacular on risers for a concert!

JarThenaAMCS 40Pcs Christmas Paper Plates Foil Red Candy Cane Stripe Disposable Plates 9 Inch Xmas Peppermint Party Tableware for Wedding Birthday Table Decor Supplies

NatNarr 120 Pcs Christmas Paper Plates, 9 Inch Disposable Candy Cane Plates Xmas Peppermint Paper Plates Cute Christmas Dessert Plates Holiday Plates for Winter Christmas New Year Party

Affiliate Links

Sugar Plum Fairy | Movement with Mr. DelGaudio

Waltz of the Flowers

Ballet Videos

Full-length Ballet (Central Florida Ballet)

https://www.pbs.org/video/hip-hop-nutcracker-at-njpac-an-all-arts-presentation-czdp88/

Hip Hop Nutcracker on PBS

This performance is on PBS and you may need to confirm your local PBS station.

Hip Hop Nutcracker (Disney+ Excerpt)

José Feliciano Music Lesson Plans & Activities

Originally published November 10, 2022
Latest Update September 15, 2026

Find interactive Jose Feliciano music lesson plans including Orff arrangements (Feliz Navidad), rhythm activities, and biography info.

Jose Feliciano music lesson plans blog post hero image

I remember my older brother playing (on guitar and recordings) José Feliciano songs. I instantly fell in love with Feliciano’s sound and cool vibe and have followed him for years.
Laura

Build a House Book Review With Lesson Plans for Music

Integrate literature into the music class with these lesson plans for Build a House by Rhiannon Giddens and illustrated by Monica Mikai. This book is based on the song of the same name and is the story of what happened to enslaved Africans after the Emancipation Proclamation.

Give Thanks | Echo Song for Orff, Movement, Ukulele, Scarves

Pull out this versatile echo song for primary students that’s about appreciation, thanksgiving, and thankfulness in November or for other celebrations throughout the year. A simple Orff arrangement, one-chord C ukulele part, scarf activities, and movement will make this a great concert piece or SEL activity in the classroom.

Give Thanks Orff Thanksgiving SEL resource cover image

Give Thanks is available as a single resource or part of this Thanksgiving Bundle!

Native American Music Resources

Find ideas and links for Native American music, dance, and cultural resources from and about Native American culture bearers.

Authentic World Music Resources | Songs, Dances, and Lesson Plans

The best way to teach music from other cultures is to use authentic world music resources whenever possible, learn from culture bearers and trusted organizations, provide meaningful cultural context, and engage students through singing, movement, games, and instruments. Rather than treating world music as a special unit, teachers can incorporate diverse musical traditions throughout the school year to help students develop musical skills while appreciating cultures from around the world.

It’s been eye-opening to find that much of the music I used in my 40-year career was NOT authentic and/or had a questionable past. Unfortunately, many educators are still using these same songs and dances. This page is my aim to give you resources that I’ve researched or from sources who aim to research with the same authentic goal. However…

…our job requires much more than the planning time we are given. In your haste to get things done, don’t trust someone’s say-so, even mine. Always do your research.

Originally published April 4, 2021
Latest Update July 5, 2026

Authentic World Music Resources

French-Canadian Traditional Music

Use of the most common traditional rhythm by the ancestors from Quebec is the podorythmie & cuillères (foot tapping & spoons). The music is Reel Turluté performed by La Bolduc. La Bolduc was a famous French-Canadian singer.

The singing technique is called jigging.

West Africa

Sona Jobarteh, Gambia, West Africa, and the Kora

Sona Jobarteh has become one of the most renowned kora players in the world, an instrument that traditionally was only played by men. The kora is an instrument of West Africa and dates back to the 13th-century Mali empire.

Sona’s academy focused on learning through Gambian culture, not a colonial focus. Lots of info here on Gambian music and arts culture.

Diwali

🎵 Explore Oodles Repertoire

Looking for something else? Explore these curated music collections.

🎤 Elementary Choir Songs
New & Noteworthy repertoire

❄️ Winter Songs for Kids
Winter, holiday & December concert music

🎧 Clean Pop Songs for Kids
Current songs for the classroom & concerts

🔎 Big Song Database
Find songs by subject and theme

🌎 Authentic World Music
Songs, activities & cultural resources

Authentic World Music Resources in the Classroom from Ashley Cuthbertson

This website is dedicated to culturally responsive music and lesson plans for your classroom. A. Cuthbertson’s site has music from many different cultures.

India

Bhangra – Dance of the Punjab with Gurdeep Pandher

Native Land

Information about Native lands and Indigenous territories, treaties, and languages including a teacher guide, searchable map, and other resources.

https://native-land.ca/resources/teachers-guide

Indonesia

Music of Australia

Songs From Queensland Composers

Sing A-Round Australia Composed by Queensland composers, lets your students experience authentic Australia. Check it out!

“For many years, we have sung songs about squirrels, birch trees, and snow; themes unfamiliar to Australian children. Our aim with this collection is to celebrate our uniquely Australian voice— music that reflects our own landscapes, stories, and experiences.”

Sing A-Round Australia Volume 1 from Kodaly Queensland elementary music song book cover

Aboriginal Australian Songlines

Some authentic sources for songlines, art, and music. The Playlist of Deadly Songs is where deadly means “great” and “culturally significant.”

Latinx Heritage Resources

For any time of the year, but collated for Latinx Hispanic Heritage Month, a growing group of resources.

Black History Resources

For any time of the year, but collated for Black History Month, a growing group of resources.

Literature With Cultural Variety

A growing list of literature for the music classroom with a wide variety of cultures represented.

The Mitten

Many of us are familiar with the Jan Brett book, but this 
Ukrainian folk tale has a very interesting history! Here are songs, lesson plans, and resources for the beautiful story.

Hispanic Heritage Month Music Activities

Originally published August 15, 2022
Latest Update September 15, 2026

The resources on this page have been researched for their authenticity and respect for Hispanic/Latino heritage, using culture bearers as much as possible!

Find authentic elementary music activities and resources for Hispanic Heritage Month. Resources include literature connections, famous musicians, decor, culture, and more.

This nationally recognized heritage month extends from September 15 to October 15. It is a time to celebrate Hispanic/Latino music, culture, people, and history.

The Best Children’s Literature for the Music Classroom

A list of books from newly published to classics for the music classroom with links, music connections, activities, and lesson plans!

If you are looking for captivating books that seamlessly blend literature and music in your classroom, look no further! This e-x-p-a-n-d-i-n-g list of recommended books will provide musical connections information and valuable lesson plan ideas.

Whether you’re seeking to expand your library or searching for fresh ideas to enrich your music curriculum, find great ways to integrate literature into your music curriculum.

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