Are you looking for a fun and creative way to spice up your music lessons the last days before winter break? Let’s have a winter music parade! It’s an engaging way to celebrate the end of the semester and get your students up and moving. Here are three easy steps to make it happen.
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1. Discuss what we might see or hear at a parade. I love hearing the students’ descriptions in their own words. Some responses have included people marching, wearing special clothing, music playing, having a celebration, and even people walking on stilts! We also remember that parades and celebrations can happen at any time of the year.
2. Let's add music! I use "Jingle Bell Symphony" from Kindermusik. I learned it when we attended classes with our son several years ago. You can access the recording via the YouTube link below. Listen to the music. How does it make you want to move? Notice when the music changes. It has a distinctive ABABA form.
3. Grab a scarf and let’s move!
Suggested guided movement: March around the room on the A section. Toss and catch scarf on the B section. Check out the example below.
"Jingle Bell Symphony" Kindermusik
Also found on Kindermusik (2016). “Jingle Bell Symphony” [Hello Weather, Let’s Play Together, CD 2].
Learning through Play
This movement exploration is great for exploring active listening, steady beat, form, locomotor and non locomotor movement, and manipulating a prop. It is fun way to engage students, family groups, or homeroom teachers in the last five minutes of music class for a mini celebration. Are you a parent or caregiver? Try making a mini parade at home! Add homemade instruments, wear something special, and celebrate with food and drink.
I hope this blog post has helped you think about how to include a simple winter celebration either in class or at home. Have any of these ideas inspired you? What is one thing that we didn't mention that would be a great addition to your winter music parade? Let us know in the comments.
Have fun!
