As a child (and often as an adult, if I’m being honest) I hated group parties and activities. Being an introvert, I would rather have been out in the cold alone than standing awkwardly inside my piano teachers house, trying to make conversation with a bunch of kids I didn’t know.
As a teacher, it’s my goal to have group classes and parties not only to create camaraderie within my studio, but for my students to feel like I truly know and care about them, including helping them to feel comfortable in these situations!
So I’m so excited for this new holiday music game because I know it’s going to do both of those things – but in a low-stress, fun way that allows all of my students to share about themselves without feeling put on the spot or vulnerable. We all love sharing our opinions – and kids especially love to do so because they’re so rarely asked about them! Holiday Music This or That™ gives you a chance to get “inside your students heads” to learn about the preferences, personalities, and tastes.
Holiday Music Game – Holiday Music This or That!
Just like the original game, Holiday Music This or That™ features “would you rather” questions that allow students to make their opinion known. This holiday music game is played by asking students to run to one side of the room if they prefer the first part of the question, and the other side if they prefer the second part. Then, have one person in each group share why they chose what they did.
Here’s what one teacher said about the original Music This or That:
This game is a necessity for your studio. It is useful in so many ways: group lessons, private lessons, even get-togethers with friends. It is good for kids finding out who else likes what they do…For those students who tend to be a little more shy in group situations, it is a great way to get them participating and talking. I have never regretted getting this game for my studio.
Why is this holiday music game so great?
- It’s a fun icebreaker. Students who don’t know each other will find it easy to share and chat about the questions as they group themselves. Even students who have a large age gap will find themselves with something to talk about!
- Gives you insights. The questions in this holiday music game were designed to give you insight into what your students think about piano and music. Do they prefer fast or slow music? Do they like recitals? These are questions that students may not so readily answer in a 1:1 setting.
- Validates students’ opinions. Kids love sharing their opinion! This game creates a safe, non-judgmental environment that allows them to share what they think and see what their peers think. And knowing what you prefer can help them feel more connected to you, too!
- It’s fun! Not all of the questions are music related, but they’re all fun! Would your students prefer a snowy Christmas, or sunny one? Opening presents early, or after they’ve slept in? You might find yourself learning something new about your students’ family traditions and personality traits. And those are the types of insights that can help you to be a better teacher!
Here are a few samples:
How do you play Holiday Music This or That?
This holiday music game is easy to play, easy to set up, and easy for students of all ages to understand! Tell your students that you’ll be reading a “Would you rather?” Card that has 2 different possibilities. If they prefer the first, go to the right side of the room. If they prefer the second, go to the left side.
As an option, you could ask that at least one person in the group share why they chose what they did. (As the game goes on, be sure each student has a chance to give their opinion, not just the most outgoing ones!). As you read each card, gesture to the right as you read the first option, and the left as you read the second.
That’s it! It’s easy, great for all ages, and is a blast to play. Just add Holiday Rhythm Cup Explorations® or Nutcracker Rhythm Cups, and you have a full holiday party planned!
Get it here:
Neat idea to add to my Group Lessons this week! It would be cute to have signs about the size of a half sheet of paper that say “This” and “That” to hang in the room to help them to remember which way to move.