6 ‘Super Fun’ Ways To Introduce The Nutcracker Ballet To Pre-Schoolers
See below for a Free Printable Pack to go with the post.
If you’ve been feeling that your pre-schooler is too young to be introduced to music appreciation or the ballet, you are totally wrong.
Music is something that is in our natural environment everywhere.
Think about it, even our hearts have beats.
So, in this post I’m specifically focusing on the pre-school age group and how you can get them into music appreciation with activities designed around the Nutcracker Ballet.
I have even taken the liberty of creating really adorable printables, so you can take your child’s learning to the next level.
Ok. Let’s get started.
The Story
The first step would be for you to relate the story of the Nutcracker.
Get a book from the library or simply tell your child the story in your own words.
Make it sound really interesting and introduce him to all the main characters like Clara, the prince, the sugar plum fairy, the mouse king, mother Ginger and others.
The Ballet
Next, watch the ballet.
Yes, you can watch parts on YouTube, however many local theatres put on a live performance around Christmas time and you should take the opportunity to have your pre-schoolers watch it in person if they are up to it.
Get Your Hands Dirty
Yes, time to get their hands dirty.
Find printables that are based on the Nutcracker and help them to complete the activities.
Don’t know where to find such printables?
No worries, just download the ones I have made available with this post.
Instrument Study
The ballet has a variety of different instruments that are featured in it.
You can introduce them to your child in terms of the name of the instrument, and if it is a wind, percussion, string or brass instrument.
If you can take your child to an instrument store to touch and feel those instruments in person, that would help too.
World Music Study
Yes, even young kids can embark on learning music from around the world and what better place to start than the Nutcracker?
Did you know that the Nutcracker consists of movements with Russian and Arabian dancers?
You can use this opportunity to talk to your child about the differences in clothes, tunes and instruments used for the two types of music.
Create Your Own Ballet
This is the most fun activity. Ask your little one to create her own ballet.
It can be a very short one.
She can relate a story and create her own dance or act.
Help her get some props and provide her with things like long ribbons etc, so when she prances around with ribbons tied to her wrists it makes lovely little paths behind her.
What other ideas can you come up with to introduce your kids to music through the Nutcracker ballet?
Karen Cadera
Founder/Creator
Mom, Teacher, Minimalist, Zero Waste Enthusiast, Multi Pod.
My daughter loved the games, but there were also worksheets and videos. The weekly lesson plans were complete, and I never questioned what I should be doing next.
This program reminded me (and allowed me to teach my son) how to read music. To me, that was the most important thing that we learned together. Of course, it was very rewarding for me to watch my son play the piano with both hands at the same time, while reading sheet music. His favorite parts of the course were actually playing the songs and doing the worksheets provided.
Download the FREE Nutcracker Ballet Worksheets
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