The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity

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The Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity

If you're looking for a new and fun holiday themed activity for your next music and movement class, circle time, or just for fun, the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity might become your new favorite.

Keep reading to learn about the different sections of the Nutcracker March and how you can explore the March using creative movement with the Stretchy Band. This activity will also allow you to target goal areas and practice specific skills with your students such as: teamwork and cooperation, listening skills, color recognition, and mind-body connection.

I am also going to share some great videos of the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action shared by some long-time friends of Bear Paw Creek.

The Nutcracker March in Action

The first video I am going to share with you is from Will Doublestein at Bow Tie Music. In the video, you can watch as Will's class of first graders listen his vocal instruction to act out different movements throughout the March, all while going in a circle with the Stretchy Band. As the Nutcracker March plays, the class will switch from marching to skipping depending on the section of the song.

Then, Will has the kids hold the Stretchy Band up high and calls out a color. If he calls out "Blue!", any children holding onto a blue section will switch spots with the other child or children who are also holding onto a blue section. This keeps kids interested while adding a fun element of movement and also encourages kids to continue listening to Will's instructions.

If you're ever on the hunt for more fantastic music and movement activity ideas for the classroom or at home, be sure to check out Will's website: bowtiemusic.net. He has so many amazing videos and resources available on his site. You can also follow him on Facebook and subscribe to his YouTube Channel.

The Nutcracker March — Stretchy Band Activity Blog Post by Bear Paw Creek Share on X

Nutcracker March, Two Fun Elementary Music Orff Lessons with Mr. S

Now that you have seen the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action, the next video I'm going to share with you is from Matthew Stensrud (aka, Mr. S). In this video, Matthew shares two different lessons. One using creative movement and one incorporating the Stretchy Band.

He also goes into greater detail about how the Nutcracker March is in an ABACABA form and how he uses different movements for each section. Soldiers and puppets for the A sections, soldiers and mice for B sections, and scurrying mice for the C section. Matthew also talks about how he does this creative movement activity on an individual level before asking students to do it all together and why it's important.

The Stretchy Band comes into play when it's time for the students to come together and do the activity as a group. When using the Stretchy Band, the movements for each section of the March are slightly different. March and shake for the A sections, march and low/high shakes for the B sections, and small group movement word fun for the C section.

I highly recommend watching the full video as Matthew does a great job talking through and demonstrating each movement for both of the lesson ideas. You can also check out this fun Nutcracker Music Lesson Ideas playlist on YouTube from Matthew for even more ways to use the March and other classic Nutcracker Songs. Including lesson ideas with a different movement prop, scarves! If you click here, you will have access to links for all of the Matthew's amazing extra resources. Such as: free lessons, his patreon community, articles, website, Tedx Talks, and more!

 

More Music and Movement Videos and a Spotify Playlist

Below I linked a couple more videos of the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band activity in action. I also linked Matthew Stensrud's music activity for the Nutcracker Trepak dance. I also created a Spotify playlist with the March, Trepak, and a few more Nutcracker classics that would pair well with the Stretchy Band, scarves, or other creative movement props.

If you don't have your own Stretchy Band, click here to check out the different sizes we have available. To shop all of our other movement props like scarves, bean bags, streamers, and more, click here.

Be sure to tag us on Instagram or Facebook if you end up trying the Nutcracker March Stretchy Band Activity and share videos or pictures. I just want to say a quick thank you to Will Doublestein, Matthew Stensrud, and Pattye Casarow for sharing their genius music and movement activity ideas. And thank YOU for reading this blog post and supporting Bear Paw Creek!

Madison Stephens

Madison Stephens

Madison has been a part of BPC her whole life. As a young child, she and her siblings helped stuff stretchy bands and flip bean bags. Over the last six years she has become even more involved and is now an official BPC employee with the role of seamstress and social media manager. When she’s not working, you’ll find her spending time with family and friends, going on walks with her dog, working with horses, or cooking and baking. Madison feels honored to have the opportunity to work alongside her mom, Janet Stephens, and be involved with the family business.