Top 5 Music Activities for “The Nutcracker” on Youtube

We’ve made it to the last week of teaching before Winter Break! HALLELUJAH! Whether you’re teaching virtually, in-person or a hybrid model, one teaching tool stands the test of time: The Nutcracker. The Nutcracker is such a fun tradition and is full of so many teachable opportunities. There are a lot of Nutcracker-themed resources out there that you can pay for, but some of my favorite Nutcracker Music Activities are free on Youtube. So here are my top 5 favorite videos that I love using in my music classroom.

1. Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy Rhythm Activity:

This “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” activity is perfect for teaching rhythm patterns and form to 3rd-5th graders. Once students have mastered clapping the rhythm patterns, I will pass out rhythm sticks for them to use.

2. Trepak Parachute Activity:

This Trepak Parachute Activity is a great tool for teaching form to Kinder-2nd graders. My student’s faces always light up when I tell them we’re using a parachute in music class!

3. Trepak Dance Activity:

I don’t know about you, but around this time of year my students start to get very wiggly. This Trepak Dance Activity is a fun way to teach energetic students about form through movement!

4. Nutcracker Overture Rhythm Instrument Play Along

I like how this video shows which instrument is playing during specific sections of the song. You could have students divide into sections (ABC) and play the rhythms on classroom instruments. You could also have students improvise movements to go with each different section of the song! So many possibilities!

5. Nutcracker March Plate Routine:

I think this Nutcracker March Plate Routine is adorable. It would be great for the younger kids to perform during a Winter Program! This video is a great example of how it would look during a performance, but he also has another video that would be great to show your students for practice. Click here for the Nutcracker March Plate Routine Practice Video.

Honorable Mentions:

1. Hip-Hop Nutcracker Rhythm Game:

This video is great for rhythm practice and talking through the characters in the ballet. The hip-hop beat is a really fun way to engage students who might not connect with the more classical sounds of “The Nutcracker.”

2. “Trepak” Bucket Drum/Chair Routine:

This “Trepak” chair routine could be really fun to do at home or in school. If you are teaching remotely, this would be great because the kids most likely have access to a chair and some wooden spoons. If you are teaching in the classroom, this routine would be awesome for bucket drums!

I hope these Nutcracker Music Activities are helpful for your classroom and bring you some joy during this last week of classes. Also if you are looking for a written activity, you should try out the Nutcracker Story & Music Questions on my Teachers Pay Teachers Store! I also have a blog post that explains how I use that in my classroom. Anyway, I hope you have the happiest of holidays and enjoy your Winter Break!!

Keepin’ it Simple,

Paige

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