A Holiday Group Class Lesson Plan

See my previous group class lesson plans HERE and HERE.

Whether your goal is to give students performance opportunities, or just to make up missed classes due to the holidays, December is a great time to schedule group classes with your students. Think of it as a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season!

Here are some of my own ideas for a holiday group class, appropriate for all ages and skill levels:

1. Ice Breaker: Christmas "name that tune." My free "name that tune" worksheets can be found HERE. I like to cut out each line and place them all in a Santa hat, then have students come up and draw from the hat. Fun sight-reading practice that tests your students' listening skills!
2. Listening/Composer Activity: Tchaikovsky's "Nutcracker Suite." Most students are familiar with the music from the "Nutcracker Suite," even if they don't know Tchaikovsky by name! The Classics for Kids website has some great biographical information on Tchaikovsky, as well as excerpts from recordings and even a "Nutcracker" quiz for kids! Find the Tchaikovsky page on their website HERE.  
3. Performance Practice: Each student prepares 2 or 3 holiday songs to share with the class.
4. Ensemble Playing: "Jingle Bells" quartet. I have arranged a simple, sight-readable version of "Jingle Bells" that can be played by up to 4 students at one piano. To download the free sheet music, click HERE.
5. Christmas cookies and/or cocoa are optional but appreciated by all!

What do you think? Will you be hosting a holiday group class for your students this year? Please share in the comments!