$5 - $10 2nd Grade The New Year Independent Work Packet

As the New Year approaches, many students are getting excited for the fresh start it brings. They may make resolutions, set goals, and reflect on the past year. For some students, this time of year is also for celebrating their accomplishments. New Year-themed classical music can be the perfect way to set the tone for reflection and celebration!

Music Appreciation Made Easy!

Do you need engaging print-and-go activities and brain breaks? The music featured in this activity packet is carefully curated and previewed - saving you hours of planning time. Just print and cue the music! The selections are available on YouTube or your favorite streaming service. There are no wrong answers, and no musical training is required, so add a few to your sub plans, too!

Learning Objectives

• increased knowledge of composers from different backgrounds
• observe seasonal/holiday influences within a composition
• familiarity with the composer's works
• 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

Social-Emotional Learning

Listening to classical music has been shown to help with self-awareness, empathy, and self-regulation. Since social-emotional learning is essential for children, incorporating classical music into your classroom or homeschool is a great way to support their development.

Talk about the emotions evoked by the selected music. What does the music make them feel? Happy? Sad? Anxious? Peaceful? Help students identify and label their emotions. Ask open-ended questions about the music and encourage students to share their thoughts and feelings.

Discuss the different instruments used in the piece of music. What does each instrument contribute to the overall sound? Encourage students to make up a story based on the music. What is happening in the story? Who are the characters? Where does it take place?

While listening, students can draw a picture or scene that comes to mind. What colors are used? What shapes? Why?

January Listening Sheets

Fantasia on Auld Lang Syne, Ernest Tomlinson

Masquerade Suite, Aram Khachaturian

The Blue Danube, Johann Strauss

The Skater's Waltz, Émile Waldteufel

Trumpet Concerto in E Flat Major, Joseph Haydn

Concerto Grosso in C Major, Arcangelo Corelli

Piano Concerto in G Major, Maurice Ravel

Jupiter, The Bringer of Jollity, Gustav Holst

Symphony No. 1 (Winter Dreams,) Pyotr Tchaikovsky

Waltz in D, Op. 9, No. 3, Franz Schubert

Suite De Symphonies, No. 1, Jean-Joseph Mouret

Brandenburg Concerto, No. 4 in G Major, Johann Sebastian Bach

Concerto for 2 Violins in D Minor, Johann Sebastian Bach

What's 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.

Carnival Coloring - 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!

Listen and Color - While listening, students color the scene and choose the keywords/elements that resonate with their listening experience. There is lots of room for drawing, coloring, and journaling in the box! Students often engage in discussions about what they've heard or felt. Great for displaying!

Easel Activity

Pair an engaging digital listening board with these musical selections! Students use the highlight tool to choose from keyword lists that describe their listening experience. An answer box at the bottom allows students to write a brief description of their thoughts and feelings. Using the pen or any design tool provided, students can decorate a scene or upload an image to the frame! Each board features colorful clipart related to the music. As always, there are no wrong answers. Students can choose any combination of descriptors.