December Centers
If your December is anything like mine, you might be feeling a touch overwhelmed. I am not joking when I tell you that I made a spreadsheet the other night to coordinate times and iron out logistics for all the upcoming celebrations, performances, field trips, and events this month. And…it’s not even technically December yet!!!
So, with that said, if you’re feeling like you need some high mileage, low-stress, and easy to implement lesson plans to take you through these next few weeks, I’ve got just the solution for you:
C-E-N-T-E-R-S
Write the Room
This is always a hit!
You place the numbered/symboled cards around your classroom and students search for the matches. Once they have found them, they write the rhythms on the recording sheet.
This can be extended (make this next part the following center rotation) to have students practice performing the rhythms (body percussion, non-pitched instruments, Orff, recorder, etc.).
I have winter, Hanukkah, and Christmas versions so you’re totally covered!
Snowglobe Music Match Ups
Besides being completely adorable, this matching activity instantly engages kids. You can print individual packets for students (they would cut/glue as part of their centers rotation) or create a laminated set for your classroom (laminated = longevity).
Students match the note name/music symbol (depending on which version you opt for) to create a completed snowglobe.
It’s a great way to reinforce, review and assess your students’ comprehension and recognition of music symbols and note names in treble and bass clef.
BONUS: if you are not allowed to celebrate holidays at school, this is excellent–nothing about any specific holidays—just winter-y snowmen!
Holiday Matching Games
These are new, and frankly, my students are obsessed. I have several different versions: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas (rhythm and recorder). My students delighted in the Thanksgiving pie one—trying to stack every slices of pie to the big one. I can’t wait to break out the latkes and stockings!
Here are two videos: the Piece of Pie (Thanksgiving version)—it’s the same idea as the Hanukkah one: put the sour cream on the latke!
…and the Recorder Stocking Stuffer version.
*Note: the Christmas rhythm version is the same idea as the other stocking stuffer one, but instead of playing notes on the recorder, you play the rhythms on a non-pitched instrument or body percussion.
Holiday Music Math
These are super easy, low-prep, quiet centers. My students loved the Thanksgiving version and did very well working independently.
Very simple on your end: print out copies, students decode the symbols (ex: dreidel is a quarter note = 1 beat) and add up the rhythms!
Hanukkah Music Math Christmas Music Math
Coloring Worksheets
Kids love to color! These are freebies—print and enjoy! Kids can take them home to finish if they don’t have enough time in your class. It can also be a holiday gift from teacher to students.
Stay sane this December!!
Joanna