Submitted by Beth Jahn, Granite Falls, Minnesota
Idea posted January 6, 2012
I've developed a tennis ball routine for Trépak (from The Nutcracker) that my 4th and 5th graders are really enjoying. It is a little crazy, and there are tennis balls flying all over the place. However, the students are enjoying themselves and are really trying to keep the tennis balls under control.
Circle Formation
A section
Bounce ball on accented notes; gently toss ball between hands for the other part.
Repeat A section
B section
Pass the ball behind you; grab it with your other hand; bring it in front; grab it with your other hand.
Interlude
Bounce on the accented parts (five bounces).
Repeat A section
Coda
Each student turns on the strong notes all the way around the circle and tosses the ball gently in the air on the last note. If you have more than 24 kids in your class, this may be difficult, and you may need two kids turning at the same time.
We just did this activity in 4th grade. It's not polished and practiced, but we had fun making this video.