Less than $5 2nd Grade Arts & Music Independent Work Packet (by date, latest first)

Bring Thanksgiving fun to your classroom with these easy, step-by-step directed drawings! Students can follow along to draw seasonal favorites like an acorn, piece of pie, turkey, turkey leg, squash, and a festive place setting. Designed to inspire creativity and enhance writing time, this pack makes it easy for students to add their drawings to writing projects, keeping them excited and engaged.

What's Included:

• 6 Thanksgiving/Fall-Themed Directed Drawings (Acorn, Pie, Turkey, Turkey Leg, Squash, Place Setting)
• Choice of Line Styles: Standard, Primary, or Drawing
• Large Cards
• Journal Strips for Easy Use in Notebooks or on Rings

Engage your students this Thanksgiving season with easy, step-by-step directed drawing pages! This Thanksgiving pack includes guided drawing sheets for creating holiday images like an acorn, piece of pie, turkey, turkey leg, squash, and a place setting. Students can use these drawings to spark ideas for writing and storytelling, making it a perfect addition to writing centers or independent activities.

Perfect For:

• Writer's Workshop & Creative Writing
• Independent Work & Centers
• Early Finishers & Homework
• Journal or Ring-Bound Use
• Sub Plans

With primary and standard-lined pages as well as journal strips, this pack provides versatile options for every classroom setup. Use it to boost students' creativity while encouraging them to express themselves through both drawing and writing!

Keywords: Thanksgiving directed drawing, step-by-step Thanksgiving drawing, Thanksgiving drawing activities, primary lined drawing pages, Thanksgiving writing prompts, drawing and writing centers, Thanksgiving journal strips

This a creative and engaging way for students to reinforce their addition skills through coloring! This worksheet is designed for teachers and parents to use as math practice, providing a fun and educational activity that combines math practice with artistic expression.

5 winter designs in total covering:

- Addition to 5

- Addition to 10

- Doubles

- Double Plus One

- Teen Numbers

Objective: The primary objective of this worksheet is to help students strengthen their addition skills in a visually stimulating and enjoyable way. By solving addition problems and coloring corresponding spaces based on the correct answers, students will not only reinforce their mathematical understanding but also unleash their creativity.

Instructions:

1. Each section of the worksheet features a series of addition problems.
2. Solve the addition problems in each row to determine the sum.
3. Locate the corresponding number on the coloring key provided.
4. Color the space with the matching number using crayons, markers, or colored pencils.

Benefits:

1. Math Reinforcement: By solving addition problems, students reinforce their understanding of basic mathematical concepts.
2. Critical Thinking: The visual element encourages students to think critically and make connections between numbers and colors.
3. Artistic Expression: Coloring provides a creative outlet, allowing students to express themselves while engaging with mathematical content.
4. Independent Learning: This worksheet is designed for independent completion, promoting self-directed learning at home.

Watch as your students or children dive into the world of addition, armed with their crayons and enthusiasm for learning!

Do you need engaging activities for snow days? This listening bundle has a mix of brain breaks, bell ringers, and mindfulness activities! You can easily add classical music to your lessons or sub plans.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. The Snow Maiden, Pyotr Tchaikovsky
2. Snow, Holger Stief
3. The Snow is Dancing, Claude Debussy
4. The Snowman, Erich Korngold

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from.

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Morning's Embrace, Joseph Schwantner

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Morning Song, Arnold Bax

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. An Eventful Morning Near East London, Robert Fokkens

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Now Does the Glorious Day Appear, Henry Purcell

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and queue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. The Welcome Arrival of Rain, Judith Weir

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. A Glorious Day, Albert Roussel

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and queue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Into the Rain, John Luther Adams

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging music activities for your classroom or homeschool? This engaging resource pack features six printable (or digital!) activities to experience. Introduce or build your students' knowledge of Cecil Taylor!

Featured Music: Bemsha Swing (Approximately 7 minutes)

► What are Brain Breaks?

This resource features six activities for the featured musical piece. These work well as low/no-prep musical breaks! Pick an activity page to pair with your lesson or experience them all! Easily incorporate music into any unit or theme. There are no wrong answers, so students are free to interpret the music and their listening experiences in their own unique way.

► How to use these listening activities:

Just print and play! These engaging listening activities are easy to add to your classroom or homeschool unit plans, special events, and holiday themes. Listening sheets make a great addition to your sub plans as well. Students enjoy discussing their listening experiences and seeing their completed work displayed!

► Where to find the music:

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

► What's included in this resource:

1. Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
2. Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
3. Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color their own carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
4. Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
5. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in color
6. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in black & white
7. Emoji Rating Guide in color
8. Emoji Rating Guide in black & white
9. Word Composer - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
10. Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Just Print & Play! Do you need engaging classical music activities? This classical music activity pack features 6 listening activities to experience! The Star Rating and Emoji guides are included as a fun reference (color/b&w.) Also great for sub plans & sub tubs!

Featured Music:

• Tabuh-Tabuhan, Colin McPhee

Brain Break Activities:

1. Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
2. Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
3. Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color their own carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
4. Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
5. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in color
6. 1-5 Star Rating Guide in black & white
7. Emoji Rating Guide in color
8. Emoji Rating Guide in black & white
9. Word Composer - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
10. Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Clarinet Sonata

Composer: Zenobia Powell Perry

Listening Time: Approximately 3-4 minutes

What should I know about Zenobia Powell Perry?

Zenobia Powell Perry not only composed soulful symphonies and operas like "Tawawa House," but also shattered barriers for Black composers and women in the classical world. Rooted in her Oklahoma upbringing and traditions, her music incorporated spirituals, jazz, and folk influences into a tapestry of accessible, melodic works. A prolific educator and civil rights activist, Perry championed diversity in the concert hall and on the podium, inspiring generations of musicians with her vibrant compositions, unwavering voice, and unyielding commitment to inclusion.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and cue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Gayaneh: Storm, Aram Khachaturian

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Pastoral

Composer: Julia Perry

Listening Time: Approximately 5 minutes

What should I know about Julia Perry?

Julia Perry's impact on classical music shines bright despite its brevity. This African-American composer defied racial barriers in the mid-20th century, captivating audiences with her neoclassical works like "Stabat Mater" and "Short Piece for Orchestra." While navigating the complex musical landscape, she subtly wove threads of African American heritage into her abstract, modernist compositions, paving the way for future generations of diverse voices in the genre. She left a legacy as a pioneer who challenged both artistic and societal norms, and her prolific catalog earned her two Guggenheim Fellowships.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Backwater Blues

Performer: Bessie Smith

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Bessie Smith?

Bessie Smith, the undisputed "Empress of the Blues," is best known for her improvisational skill and emotional intensity that inspired singers across genres. Beyond vocal technique, Bessie's music exposed the emotional realities often absent from the world of classical music. Her songs tackled themes of poverty, love, betrayal, and resilience with unflinching honesty, paving the way for future generations of artists to bring their diverse narratives into the concert hall. The "Empress" may not have performed on grand stages or composed symphonies, but her blues laid bare the human experience in a way that resonated with audiences of all backgrounds.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Love Let the Wind Cry... How I Adore Thee

Composer: Undine Smith Moore

Listening Time: Approximately 3 minutes

What should I know about Undine Smith Moore?

Undine Smith Moore, the "Dean of Black Women Composers," wasn't just a prolific creator of over 100 vocal and instrumental works, but a trailblazer who transformed the landscape of classical music. Inspired by spirituals and folk traditions, she infused her choral pieces with rich harmonies and rhythmic vitality. She co-founded the Black Music Center and was a champion for diversity. Moore's powerful works resonated with audiences and critics alike, earning her accolades and paving the way for future generations to find their voices within the classical realm.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of differentiated listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Erik Satie's "Four Ogives" is a captivating and elegant collection of piano pieces. These vibrant compositions are perfect for students exploring advanced piano techniques and musical expression. With their lyrical melodies and intricate harmonies, each ogive offers a unique and challenging look into Satie's musical genius. 

Mood: contemplative, delicate, and reflective

Composer: Erik Satie was a French composer renowned for his innovative and minimalistic compositions.

Featured music with two listening activity pages per piece:

Ogive No. 1 | Ogive No. 2 | Ogive No. 3 | Ogive No. 4

Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.

Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.

Low-Prep! Ready to unlock the transformative power of classical music? This Black History Month, make classical music listening breaks a classroom staple! Students will benefit from a deeper connection to the arts while exploring iconic classical music composers throughout history.

Featured Music: Violin Concerto in G Minor

Composer: Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

Listening Time: Approximately 31-32 minutes

What should I know about Samuel Coleridge-Taylor?

Coleridge-Taylor, a beacon of diversity in Victorian England, wove African rhythms into the tapestry of classical music, forging a path for inclusivity. His masterpiece, "Hiawatha's Wedding Feast," rivaled Handel in popularity, resonating with both English grandeur and hints of pentatonic scales; a bridge between worlds.

What are Music Breaks?

Forget tedious prep – all you need is this musical treasure trove featuring SIX dynamic activities inspired by a captivating piece of classical music. No grading, no pressure, just pure exploration! These bite-sized activities are like time-traveling portals transporting students to the heart of Black musical history.

How do I use these listening activities?

Want to boost students' active listening skills without draining your prep time? These print-and-play classical music activities are ready to go! Just find the music on YouTube or your favorite streaming services, choose and print your preferred differentiated listening sheets, and cue the music! There are no wrong answers so students select the elements that are most meaningful to them.

Where do I find the music?

Each piece gets checked for availability on YouTube, Spotify, and other popular music sources.

What types of listening activities are included?

• Listening Sheet - There are no wrong answers! Students can note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more.
• Weather & Feelings - Weather is a recurring theme in classical music. Does a musical piece remind the listener of a snowy day or a cheerful sunny afternoon? Students can select the weather symbols that come to mind. Is the music happy or sad? A set of emotional characters allows your group to pick the feelings that best relate to a piece of music.
• Listen & Color a Carnival - Students can color a carnival while listening to the selected music! Which carnival rides and activities would best fit a piece of music? Does the tempo feel like a roller coaster or a peaceful swing ride in the sky? Choose a tasty treat from the snack bar, then stop at the prize booth before finishing. There are no wrong answers!
• Emoji Checkbox Listening - This listening sheet style is all about checkboxes! Students note how they feel and what they imagine while listening to a selected piece of music. Choose from the musical instruments, nature scenes, colors, and more! Time, nature, settings, instruments, and colors are also listed. Students color in the emojis that best describe their listening experience in the emoji grid. The 'Inspiration Box' can be used for inspired drawing, journaling, notes, poetry, etc.
• Star Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Emoji Rating Guides - in black & white and color (two pages)
• Word Composer Challenge - compose a list of new words using letters from the composer's name. Add a timer for an extra challenge!
• Drawing/Writing Page - a freestyle approach to listening! Students can draw a scene inspired by the music selection or use the page as a writing space. Great for bulletin boards and displays!

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!

Do you need engaging brain breaks or bell ringers? These mindful listening activities are an easy way to include music appreciation in any classroom or homeschool.

Just print and queue the music! Students begin listening and interpreting what they hear and feel. The music is available on YouTube or your favorite streaming services. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required. (great for sub plans!) There are five differentiated listening sheets included for each piece of music.

Featured Music

1. Violin Sonata No. 1 "Rain," Johannes Brahms

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of popular composers
• familiarity with a variety of musical periods
• ability to recognize, and engage with, popular pieces of music
• identify different instrument sounds
• social-emotional exploration of feelings and moods within the music
• creative expression by drawing and choosing colors related to a musical theme

Differentiated Listening Sheets

• Mindful Listening - students draw a scene inspired by the music and select meaningful keywords that describe their listening experience
• Emotions & Weather - lots of emotions and weather to choose from and color
• Checkboxes - an easy-to-follow checklist page that features emojis, instruments, colors, and more
• Color A Carnival - which ride or activity best matches the music? Don't forget to choose a snack and a prize!
• Listen and Color - lots of drawing/journaling space with meaningful keywords to choose from

Embark on a 12-month musical journey through time with the Classical Journey Bundle! ♬

Add a touch of mindful music to any season, holiday, or composer unit study. With over 150 categorized classical pieces, the Classical Journey Bundle offers an engaging printable for every occasion. Each month unlocks a curated selection of themed classical music pieces, perfectly paired with a holiday or season!