One of the most wonderful ways to celebrate the season of Christmas is with the story of the Nutcracker. Hopefully, you can see a performance of this beautiful ballet by the 19th-century Russian composer Tchaikovsky this year. But, even if you can't see it live, you can listen to the music and watch some scenes from the ballet below.

The Story of the Nutcracker:

Clara's family is hosting a Christmas party. Her godfather brings a wonderful new toy for her--a nutcracker. But, her younger brother breaks it. That night as she sleeps she dreams a fanciful dream where her toy nutcracker comes to life and brings her to a magical land full of sweets and treats from around the world.

Listen to and watch 3 scenes from the ballet below:

• Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy
• Chinese Tea Dance
• Waltz of the Flowers

______________________________________________________

That's it for the regular 15-minute music lesson.

If you have some more time, here are other resources for studying the Nutcracker:

• Podcast from Classics for Kids
• Nutcracker Unit Study and 3 Part Cards
• Clothespin Soldier Ornaments
• Nutcracker Ballet Learning Resources (huge list here!)

Maestro Classics music appreciation recording:

One of my favorite resources is the Maestro Classics music appreciation CD of the Nutcracker. I learned a lot about the background of the story. It's a fun way for kids to learn because they hear Tchaikovsky's music along with a narration of the story. It also includes a 24-page activity booklet. The Maestro Classics Nutcracker is available as a digital download or physical CD. Read more about the Maestro Classics Nutcracker CD here.

SQUILT Nutcracker unit study:

SQUILT stands for Super Quiet UnInterrupted Listening Time and is one of the top Music Appreciation companies for homeschoolers. In their Nutcracker Holiday Unit Study your kids will learn about ballet, the instrument called the celesta, and about Tchaikovsky. There are several notebooking pages included. You can read more about the SQUILT Nutcracker Holiday Unit Study here.

Chalk Pastel Nutcracker Video Art Lessons:

Use art to complete your study of the Nutcracker. Chalk Pastel has some wonderful online lessons that are perfect for all ages! The Nutcracker set of lessons includes:

• Nutcracker
• Clara and the Christmas Tree
• Sugar Plum Fairy
• Chinese Tea Dance
• Mouse King

Painting Lessons From Masterpiece Society:

Nutcracker books:

Find the books at my Amazon store here.