Is your elementary music class feeling chaotic as Winter Break approaches? Don’t worry—you’re not alone. Having experienced the situation myself, I’ve devised a way to help you keep your students engaged and your stress levels low. So, give your students and yourself a Pre-winter Break with these simple, fun, and effective music class activities.

Picture This: A Common Elementary Music Struggle

Imagine that it’s the week before Winter Break. Your first-grade music students sit before you. Naturally, you’re prepared with a lesson full of engaging music class activities. 

Then it begins:

• A hand shoots up mid-song—someone needs the bathroom.
• Another student blurts out something completely unrelated.
• You glance at the calendar. It’s December 10th, and their focus is officially gone.

Sound familiar? The struggle is real. But don’t worry—I’m here to help with strategies and activities designed specifically for elementary music teachers like you.

Why Winter Break Excitement Impacts Music Class Behavior

Before we discuss music class activities, let’s talk about why this week feels extra challenging. Students are:

• Excited about the upcoming break.
• Tired from holiday concerts and academic pressures.
• Distracted by the buzz of seasonal festivities.

The solution? Acknowledge their excitement and channel it into engaging music class activities that maintain expectations without adding extra stress. Let’s explore some strategies and music class activities tailored for this unique time of year.

Strategies to Reign in Pre-Break Chaos

1. Set Clear Expectations Early

   • Gently acknowledge their excitement. Try saying:
     “I know we’re both feeling really excited because there’s only a few days before break, but until then I need you to remember to raise your hand before speaking.”
   • Deliver consequences calmly consequences when needed.

2. Plan for Short Attention Spans

   • Focus on simple, fun, and interactive music class activities. Avoid starting new units or complex projects during this week.

3. Celebrate Positive Behavior

   • Give frequent praise for on-task behavior, and consider incorporating small rewards for positive behavior.

Music Class Activities Perfect for the Week Before Winter Break

When you’re planning music class activities the week before Winter Break, it’s important to keep it simple, easy, and engaging. Obviously, you won’t want to try to start a new unit or tackle a big project—this week calls for activities that are fun for your students and stress-free for you. Fortunately, I’ve got some great suggestions to make the final stretch a breeze!

1. Name That Holiday Tune Boom Cards!

This no-prep resource is perfect for your music class activities the week before Winter Break. Simply purchase, add it to your Boom Learning library, and assign it to students, or present it on a SMART Board. Students will then listen to instrumental excerpts of 30 secular winter, Christmas, and Hanukkah songs and try to guess the tune. 

This indispensable resource:

• Features a diverse mix of holiday music for a well-rounded classroom experience.
• Works well as a competitive team activity or an individual task with 1:1 devices and headphones.
• Is easily paired with winter and holiday sing-alongs or other play-along activities.

Remember, if you’ve never used Boom Learning before, you can always head to my post on using Boom Cards for Music Class to learn more about these amazing little gamified task cards. However, if you’re already loving Boom Learning as much as I do, consider purchasing my growing elementary music boom cards bundle, which includes a growing collection of elementary music boom card games that can be used throughout the school year. All future resources added to the growing bundle are free, making it a great investment for your general music classroom.

2. Holiday Music Animated Google Slides Lesson

This ready-to-go Google Slides lesson is designed to to keep students engaged in the final days before Winter Break. What’s more, it includes winter, Christmas, and Hanukkah music excerpts to reflect the variety of traditions celebrated during this time of year.

Additionally, this must-have resource:

• Explores the history of holiday music, famous performers, and key musical elements in an approachable format.
• Includes a Google Forms reflection that allows students to share their musical thoughts and preferences independently—ideal for music classrooms with access to 1:1 devices.

3. Holiday BitMoji Classroom Templates for Music Teachers

These Google Slides BitMoji music classroom templates are an easy addition to your holiday lesson plans. Fully decorated and linked, they’re ready to go—just delete the instructions, add your BitMoji to slide 2, and assign them in Google Classroom.

BitMoji classroom templates:

• Include two templates: one for lower elementary (K-3) and one for upper elementary (4-6).
• Offer 12 hidden music activities in each BitMoji classroom, allowing students to explore independently or in small groups.

Why You’ll Love This: It’s budget-friendly, simple to use, and packed with interactive activities your students will love.

4. Explore the Chamber of Freebies for Elementary Music Teachers

The Chamber of Freebies is the ultimate growing collection of free music education resources designed for elementary music teachers like you. Inside, you’ll find digital and printable materials to suit your teaching needs, whether you’re planning or looking for a quick activity to try tomorrow. Beyond that, the best part is that as the Chamber of Freebies continues to grow, you will always have something new to inspire you and your students.

Sign up now to join the Chamber of Freebies and unlock these magical resources—it’s completely free!

Tips for Managing Your Stress Before Winter Break

This week isn’t just tough on students—it takes a toll on teachers, too! Keep your spirits up with these tips:

• Take It One Day at a Time: Reflect and adjust as needed.
• Practice Self-Care: Treat yourself to something relaxing, like a spa day or a cozy night in.
• Simplify Your Plans: Stick to low-prep activities that still engage your students.
• Celebrate the Small Wins: A smile or a shared laugh can make your day brighter.

You’ve Got This!

The week before Winter Break doesn’t have to be overwhelming. On the contrary, clear strategies and ready-to-go music class activities can make this time enjoyable for both you and your students. You’re doing amazing work, and the impact you make on your students is lasting and meaningful.

If you need extra support or fresh ideas, join my Elementary Music Teacher Support Group on Facebook or the Music Teacher Idea Network on Blue Sky. Wishing you a joyful Winter Break—you’ve earned it!