Breaking down a classroom activity by procedures will make your lesson more effective. When activities fail, many times it’s because a classroom routine or process is missing. I spent twice as much planning time on HOW to teach than WHAT to teach.
“We Shall Not Be Moved” transforms itself into a song to remember Black History, Civil Rights, freedom rights around the world, and the power of music with its simplistic style perfect for learning in the music classroom. Perfect for exploring in class or performances, and easily integrated into-
Table of Contents
If you are looking for an accessible instrumental piece in 6/8 meter for barred instruments with an Orff arrangement, this is it! Taught step-by-step, this classic tongue twister rhyme is perfect for winter, spring, or really any time of the year there is weather 🤣.
An added plus is the language arts lesson on synonyms. Put that on your end-of-year evaluation!
For grades 3-6, this over 50-slide resource is in both PowerPoint and Google Slide versions.
Listen to the music on TPT!
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.
The Playlist
This post may contain affiliate links. I make a small commission at no additional cost to you. Read my full disclosure.
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!
More December Games & Activities
Find other lesson ideas for December on the Winter, Holiday, and Christmas Music Games & Activities blog post!
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.”
Adorable character sweatshirt!
Definitely NOT an ugly sweater!
(affiliate link)
These items from Oriental Trading Company can be used for Nutcracker Ballet-themed concert and classroom decor, student crafts, and movement activities.
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.
Affiliate Links
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.
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!
I used the stretchy bands from Bear Paw Creek and loved them for their durability!
ADORABLE paper plates for the above routine would look spectacular on risers for a concert!
Affiliate Links
https://www.pbs.org/video/hip-hop-nutcracker-at-njpac-an-all-arts-presentation-czdp88/
This performance is on PBS and you may need to confirm your local PBS station.
Continue reading “Spotlight Musician José Feliciano”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
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 is available as a single resource or part of this Thanksgiving Bundle!
Continue reading “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.
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.
Table of Contents
Continue reading “The Best Children’s Literature for the Music Classroom”
Find fun and engaging Valentine songs, games, dances, and activities to fill your K-5 elementary classroom with LOVE! For Valentine’s Day or any time of the year!
Originally published February 13, 2022.
Updated for February 2026.
