The Nutcracker

The Nutcracker, composed by Peter Tchaikovsky, has become a staple of the Christmas season. A unit plan centered around the famous ballet is packed with a variety of activities that are sure to excite learners of all ages.

Over the course of six lessons, scholars try their hand at composing and dancing after a thorough examination of the famous ballet, The Nutcracker, by Tchaikovsky. Participants watch and discuss the performance of two dances, create and...

Get parents or guardians into the swing of things with a jazzy homework assignment. A detailed six-page guide provides before, during, and after reading suggestions for Duke Ellington: The Piano Prince and His Orchestra, Andrea Davis...

Students listen to the story of Peter and the Wolf and answer comprehension questions. They then will name the beginning, middle, and end of the story using a graphic organizer. Students then individually illustrate each part of the...

Students discuss the Nutcracker Ballet. They listen as the teacher reads "The Tale of the Nutcracker and the History of the Ballet," (included with the lesson). Students discuss dreams they have had. They listen to a portion of The Waltz...

Students explore sharp and smooth movements. In two groups, students perform dances using sharp and smooth movements. They are asked to discuss the differences between the movements and how they felt when you watched or performed.

Students listen to "The Russian Dance" from The Nutcracker and listen for a boom or bam. They listen to the piece again and then add the accents with their instruments. They also may add accents of their own.

Music is a wonderful tool you can add to enhance the learning process for every subject. Here is a list of music selections that are categorized by subject, along with some neat teaching suggestions. You'll find songs suited to...

This lesson plan reinforces that physical movement/fitness can be directly related to dance and music. Tell the students that you are going to read a fun Christmas story. In the story there will be toys that magically come alive. Read...

Students use dance as a form of communication. In this meanings of dance lesson, students create dances to communicate a variety of emotions.