The Nutcracker Mindful Listening Classical Music Activities
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Help your students gain a greater understanding of The Nutcracker Suite with this set of listening sheets! The Nutcracker Classical Music Activity Packet provides 268 pages of different activities that will help build a classical music foundation for your students. Its goal is to increase knowledgePrice $30.00Original Price $45.50Save $15.50
Description
Music Appreciation Made Easy! Do you need engaging print-and-go activities and brain breaks for The Nutcracker? These activities will save you hours of planning time this holiday season. Just print and cue the music! Great for the period leading to winter break and are even great for your send-home packets!
The selections are available on YouTube or your favorite streaming service. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required, so add a few to your sub plans, too!
Learning Objectives
- increased knowledge of composers from different backgrounds
- observe seasonal/holiday influences within a composition
- familiarity with the composer's works
- ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
- identify different instrument sounds
- social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
- creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme
Featured Music (4 pages per piece)
Overture • The Christmas Tree • March • Gallop And Dance Of The Parents • The Presents Of Drosselmeyer • Grandfather Dance • Clara And The Nutcracker • Battle with the Mouse King • In The Christmas Tree • Waltz Of The Snowflakes • The Magic Castle On The Mountain Of Sweets • Clara And Prince Charming • Chocolate (Spanish Dance) • Coffee (Arabian Dance) • Tea (Chinese Dance) • Trepak (Russian Dance) • Dance Of The Reed Pipes • Polichinelle (The Clown) • Waltz Of The Flowers • Pas De Deux (3rd Movement contains "Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy") • Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy • Grand Finale
Social-Emotional Learning
Listening to classical music has been shown to help with self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. Since social-emotional learning is essential for children, incorporating classical music into your classroom or homeschool is a great way to support their development.
Talk about the emotions evoked by the selected music. What does the music make them feel? Happy? Sad? Anxious? Peaceful? Help students identify and label their feelings. Ask open-ended questions about the music and encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings.
Discuss the different instruments used in the piece of music. What does each instrument contribute to the overall sound? Encourage students to make up a story based on the music. What is happening in the story? Who are the characters? Where does it take place?
While listening, students can draw a picture or scene that comes to mind. What colors are used? What shapes? Why?
What's Included
- Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
- Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
- Carnival Coloring - Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
- Listen and Color - While listening, students color the scene and choose the keywords/elements that resonate with their listening experience. There is lots of room for drawing, coloring, and journaling in the box! Students often engage in discussions about what they've heard or felt. Great for displaying!
More Nutcracker Resources!
Nutcracker Fairy Tale Story Listening Sheets (★ NEW!)
The Nutcracker Listening Sheets
The Nutcracker Listening Sheet Preview
The Nutcracker Performance Journal
The Nutcracker Activity Bundle
The Nutcracker Blank Sheet Music
The Nutcracker Music Notes Match
The Nutcracker Listening & Match Bundle
The Nutcracker & Festive December Bundle
Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬
Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!
