The Nutcracker at The Virtual Vine

utcracker

Information on this page provided for classroom use only; not for publication.

thevirtualvine.com 2003

I have a real nutcracker (decorative purposes only) and I take him to school to show the children exactly what a "nutcracker" is and what it's used for. Because this one is only for show, I always make sure to tell the children that and that ties in with the book. We talk about how if I really tried to crack nuts with him, that he would break (like the one in the book).

Books: The Nutcracker Ballet ~ Carol Thompson (with cassette)

Sorting: Purchase a bag of mixed nuts at the grocery store and have students sort them into types (walnut, chestnuts, pecans, almonds, Brazil nuts, etc.), colors (light brown, dark brown), or size (large/small).

Counting: In the links below are nutcracker printables. Find a good pattern and make math mats with it. Program each nutcracker with a number, then have students count out the appropriate number of nuts to match the number on the nutcracker.

Sequencing: Number some nutcrackers and have students sequence them. You could also program them with the ABCs and have them do the same thing. If you make them small enough to fit in the pocketchart, they'll look like toy soldiers lined up.

TLC Nutcracker: TLC has a Nutcracker project. Their website says that it's in their Winter book and that it has lots of pieces. I do not have this book, nor have I done this project.

Resources:

The Mailbox Kindergarten Dec/Jan 2000 - 01

Links:

Nutcracker Toilet Paper Roll Craft

http://www.dltk-holidays.com/xmas/mnutcracker.html

The Nutcracker Suite

http://www.kayscozycottage.com/seasons/christmas/nutcracker.html

Nutcracker: General Ideas

http://www.angelfire.com/nb2/musicedresources/Tchaikov.html#GENERAL

The Nutcracker Ballet - History

http://www.showgate.com/kirov/nuthist.html

The Nutcracker Story and Music