With so many holidays in such a short amount of time, finding the right resources for your students can be a challenge. In this series of posts I'm compiling lists of resources you can use right away in your lessons and at home.
Today's holiday: Christmas!
Music
There is a plethora of Christmas music out there. Some arrangements are wonderful, other well not so much. Here are the perennial favorites with my students.Susan Paradis has a fantastic variety of easy Christmas arrangements.
The soundtrack to Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer is a classic that will be loved for generations. I have this going as background music in the waiting room.
Cantorion has arrangements of public domain pieces for beginners.
Piano Activities
The week before Christmas break we have Performance Parties instead of regular lessons. During the parties students perform the holiday music they've been working on, we play games, and have a snack. Over the years, my students have made it abundantly clear what their favorite activities and games are...Stinky Stockings from Wendy Stevens at ComposeCreate
Save A Santa Composing Activity from Andrea & Trevor Dow at TeachPianoToday
Light Up The Tree from Susan Paradis
Recipes
I've always been a fan of homemade gifts for my students. Every Christmas I make a tin of cookies for each family. This year feels a little different because not all of the students are mine, but I'll still be baking for everyone. Below are some of my favorite Christmas cookie recipes.Nestle Toll House Cookies I omit the nuts
Sugar Cookies Can be made to cutout and decorate or baked as a simple cookie
Coconut Macaroons are a must in my house. Depending on how much you whisk your egg whites, these cookies can be a delightfully chewy cookie or a light fluffy meringue. Recipe below.
1½ cups sweetened coconut
⅔ cup sugar
2 egg whites
¼ tsp. vanilla extract
dash of salt
Preheat oven to 325°
Beat the egg whites, salt, and vanilla until soft peaks form.
Gradually add sugar, beating until very stiff and glossy.
Fold in coconut; drop by rounded teaspoons about 2” apart on parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake for about 20 minutes or until set and golden brown.
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What are some of your favorite Christmas resources and traditions?
I hope you're find these brief lists useful. Next week...Hanukkah!
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