Learn About The Nutcracker - A Unit Study
Wednesday, October 16, 2013 at 5:01AM
The Nutcracker is one of those beloved Christmas classics.
But how much do your children (or YOU) really know about the story behind the ballet and its well loved music?
Each year I taught elementary school music we would study The Nutcracker IN DEPTH. There is so much to be learned from this ballet.
*This post contains affiliate links.
The Best Version of The Nutcracker for Children
My favorite presentation of The Nutcracker for children is The New York City Ballet's production, choreographed by Ballenchine. This DVD includes sporadic narration and makes the Nutcracker so INTERESTING for children. Each year my students would beg to watch this production.
After we started homeschooling it became a favorite with my own children, as well.
We would watch the movie, and then expand on our learning. My son loved drawing the nutcracker, and my daughter enjoyed learning about Hoffman (the author of the original Nutcracker and the Mouse King) and Tchaikovsky.
A Nutcracker Unit Study
Last year I created a unit study to go along with our viewing of The Nutcracker. This year I've updated and expanded the study. The study includes:
- Notebooking pages
- listening links
- links to free downloads of the story and ballet productions
- ideas and links for art projects, library books, coloring sheets, and biographical information
- and more!
All you need to complete the study is an internet connection and basic school supplies (oh, and maybe a library card, but even that is optional!)
*As with my SQUILT Music Appreciation Curriculum, this unit study requires NO KNOWLEDGE OF MUSIC. I want this to be easy, low prep, and enjoyable!
This unit study is designed to help you study the story, music and composer of The Nutcracker. It is 100% flexible and YOU set the schedule... learn as you feel led.
Adapt them to fit the needs of your own homeschool.
All ages of children will benefit – from Kindergarten through Middle Grades.
Table of Contents:
Purchase The Nutcracker Unit Study today.
Have you studied The Nutcracker in your homeschool?
Better yet, have you ever taken your children to see The Nutcracker? {That's on our list this Christmas!}
Reader Comments (5)
We took our son (now 10) to The Nutcracker for the first time last year. He didn't care for the ballet - but, he loved the music! I believe he will learn to appreciate the art of dance. Thank you for sharing the link to the DVD - I plan to purchase a copy of it along with a book. I'm also investing in your Unit Study: having learning opportunities like this is one of the things I love most about homeschooling!
We have studied, lapbooked, and attended a live performance of the Nutcracker several years ago. Lots of fun. Our favorite picture book is The Nutcracker Ballet by Vladimir Vagin. We may attend a performance again this year, it depends on timing.
This is a wonderful idea. I would have never thought to do it as unit study. Thank you for doing all the legwork for us!
Thank you! We will do this unit study.
This is a great idea! My son happen to catch the Nutcracker on PBS two years ago, and to my surprise, he fell in love with it. He absolutely loves nutcracker dolls and has to watch it each year. He also hums the music from the Nutcracker all the time!
A unit study is a wonderful idea!