Thursday, November 3, 2016

The Nutcracker Suite Practice Challenge


We officially started our newest studio practice challenge this week! It's centered around The Nutcracker and I'm so excited to share this wonderful story and music with my students. I created a practice record page to help student keep track of their weekly practice goals; at the top of this record, there is a row of walnuts to color as a representation of days spent practicing. The walnuts are worth $0.05 each. As a studio, we'll collect as many walnuts as possible and make a donation to a local food pantry at the end of the challenge.


There are 5 auditions for students to pass each week. This week's audition was called the Corps de Ballet Audition and students that successfully passed it earned a snowflake. The upcoming auditions each have their own icons, and these all will be placed on construction paper ornaments. I do have general guidelines for each audition, but will adapt them for each student as necessary. Once a student has 5 images on their ornament, they win a prize! They will have a choice between an actual nutcracker or a $5.00 gift card to McDonald's. 

This challenge will focus on technique, note reading, intervals, ear training, a composer study on Tchaikovsky, and much more! I've had a wonderful time putting together activities for this practice challenge. We've already used one of the games that I created! Find your own copy here! I'll also be updating my Teachers Pay Teachers store with more of the resources I've created, so check back!

Graphics by Linda Murray https://myclipartstore.com/

If you're a teacher, I'd love to hear about the practice challenges you're using during this fun holiday season! Leave a comment here or send me a quick message using my contact page :) 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/BunniesMadeOfBread
These dolls accompany the story perfectly.