The kids worked really hard learning the words to "Joy to the World" and "Merrily Caroling". Our favorite puppet, Frieda Repeata, came to class to help us learn the words and we sang each song many times to learn it well. We also sang some favorites like "Frosty the Snowman", "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star",  and "We Wish You a Merry Christmas".

We've learned some simple tunes that go with the two classical songs from the Nutcracker ballet that we've been focusing on (Chinese/Tea Variation, Waltz of the Snowflakes). After learning the simple melody with the words, we then listen to the orchestral piece. The harmony and instrumentation that is a part of these pieces is a complex workout for their ears (and their brains!) that helps create intelligent listeners. 

As mentioned at the Christmas Party, we've also learned the different musical timing in the two Nutcracker pieces. The Chinese/Tea Variation is in marching time (counting to 4) and the Waltz of the Snowflakes is in triple time (counting to 3). We patted, clapped, marched, danced, and played with the parachute to help instill the difference in the beat of these two pieces of music.

This time of year is so exciting! Excitement, joy, happiness, wonder, service, kindness, and giving are examples of the many positive emotions that we feel and we sing many songs that evoke these emotions. It's also an overstimulating time of the year so I have made a point to sing some calmer songs that can help regulate us when we experience tougher emotions. "Silent Night," "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star," "Robin Redbreast," (no link) and "Hot Chocolate" and some examples. Check out my Favorite Emotion Regulation Songs at the playlist below:

Singable books are such a great tool to help kids learn to love reading, stories, and book. We sang and looked at a cute "Frosty the Snowman" book.

We also looked at our favorite and beautiful "Orchestra" book and learned about how many classical songs can feature a choir/voices! Just like we hear in our Waltz of the Snowflakes piece.

I have covered how we used the two pieces from the Nutcracker with Ear Training and Rhythm, but I also mentioned how the piccolo and voices are highlighted in each of the pieces. 

Also, we marched up the stairs listening to the Nutcracker March before class began and then again as we marched down the stairs when class ended.