The Nutcracker Ballet Activities and Books

Are you looking for ways to make the next couple of days fun as we countdown to Christmas? I’ve got books and activities to help your kids learn more about the Nutcracker by Tchaikovsky!

Chances are you’re already hearing the music on the radio or in local establishments this time of year. I’ve found that by embracing all that the holidays have to teach us is a lovely way to spend this season with my kids.

Did you know there are loads of ways to incorporate learning and activities with this very famous story and ballet?

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THE NUTCRACKER SQUILT HOLIDAY UNIT STUDY

Have you heard of SQUILT? SQUILT stands for Super Quiet UnInterrupted Listening Time and is an easy to use music education program!

Like, seriously easy!

You don’t have to have any prior musical knowledge of any kind to use this program!

This is a total score for the less than musically inclined parent AND they have a Nutcracker Unit Study! This is just one of many ways we are exploring this world-famous ballet.

With The SQUILT Nutcracker Unit Study, your children will learn the story of the ballet, E.T.A. Hoffman, and Tchaikovsky as well as music and ballet vocabulary, instruments used and musical concepts. No need to purchase the music or the video – everything you need is included!

THE NUTCRACKER VIDEO ART LESSONS

The Nutcracker Video Art Lessons are a perfect way to celebrate this famous ballet.

No prior skills necessary folk! Another bonus for the less than an artistically inclined parent.

My kids adore “Nana” and her chalk pastel lessons.

What Your Kids Will Get With the Nutcracker Video Art Lessons:

• Each lesson includes an overhead view of Nana leading you through, step-by-step.
• View each lesson on any digital device.
• Step-by-step instructions
• Techniques encourage both new artists and challenge more advanced ones
• Independent learning for older students

Your Children Will Learn to Create the Following:

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

PAPER BALLERINAS INSPIRED FROM THE NUTCRACKER BALLET

All you need to make your own paper ballerinas is scissors and the paper of your choice folded in half.

I drew the outline of our ballerinas on our folded paper in an assortment of colors.

These ballerinas are simple for little hands to cut out, but the real fun comes in with the glitter and glue decorations!

Afterward, we strung the ballerinas up with string to create a lovely garland.

This is such a simple yet fun craft for kids!

The Nutcracker Ballet Books

THE NUTCRACKER PICTURE BOOKS

Here is a list of fabulous Nutcracker inspired books that each tell the story in their own way and with unique illustrations.

The Nutcracker by  New York City Ballet 

The Nutcracker by Susan Jeffers

Nutcracker by E T a Hoffmann 

The Nutcracker Mice by Kristin Kladstrup

The Story Orchestra: The Nutcracker: Press the Note to Hear Tchaikovsky’s Music by Jessica Courtney-Tickle

The Nutcracker: A Magic Theater Book by Geraldine McCaughrean 

The Nutcracker Ballet: A Book, Theater, and Paper Doll Fold-out Play Set by Mara Conlon

Nutcracker Comes to America: How Three Ballet-loving Brothers Created a Holiday Tradition by Chris Barton

MORE NUTCRACKER BALLET ACTIVITIES

Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Book by Brenda Sneathen Mattox

Nutcracker Soldier Paint Kit

The Nutcracker Ballet Playing Cards

You may also enjoy these other Holiday Posts:

• Tracking Santa On Christmas Eve: A Family Activity

• Festive Christmas Chalk Pastel Art Lessons For Kids

• The Nutcracker Ballet Activities and Books

• Christmas Carol Study with SQUILT

• Winter Solstice Activities & Books

• 25 Favorite Christmas Books the Whole Family Will Love

• 30+ Stocking Stuffer Game Ideas For Kids

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• Our A-Book-A-Day Advent Calendar

• Christmas Baking and Making Memories

• Swirl Paint Christmas Ornaments

• Harry Potter Christmas Tree

• Hogwarts Gingerbread Castle

• 20 Awesome Harry Potter Gift Ideas

• 30 Super Cool STAR WARS Gifts

• Top 20 Doctor Who Gift Ideas

• Fun Gilmore Girls Gift Ideas

Now tell me, how will you incorporate The Nutcracker into your holidays?