Watch a Full Video Walk-Through Here~

Let’s Get Started

The Goal Is Not “No Learning.” The Goal Is “Low Stress Learning.”

Sometimes we put so much pressure on ourselves that if students are watching something, it somehow “doesn’t count.”

Meanwhile, Peter and the Wolf was literally composed to teach students about the orchestra.

That is the whole point.

So instead of fighting the end-of-year energy, I lean into it. I let students move, listen, analyze, laugh, and enjoy themselves while still reviewing important music fundamentals.

Peter and the Wolf: The “Movie Day” Lesson That Still Teaches

This lesson is one of my absolute favorite ways to survive till summer while still feeling like learning is happening.

Before students ever watch the movie or performance, we go through the characters, motifs, instrument families, movement activities, and listening analysis together.

Students:

• Move to the different motifs
• Learn the orchestra families
• Identify instruments by sound
• Complete rhythm play-alongs
• Practice listening analysis
• Follow along with movement breaks

And the best part? The lesson can almost run itself.

You can absolutely lead students through the Google Slides yourself… or you can let the video walkthrough do the heavy lifting while you breathe for a second.

That is a gift during May and June.

Then Comes the Reward: Watching Peter and the Wolf

After students complete the lesson, then we watch a performance version of Peter and the Wolf.

And now suddenly:

• They recognize the motifs
• They know the instruments
• They understand the story
• They hear the orchestra differently

It transforms the viewing experience from passive watching into active listening.

One of my favorite versions to use is the animated 2022 kids concert version because students can actually see the orchestra while also connecting to the story visually. Link here- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fO4aZzS7jn4&t=223s

Superworm: The End-of-Year Wiggle Lesson That Still Teaches

Then there’s Superworm.

If Peter and the Wolf is your “structured movie lesson,” then Superworm is your “let’s get these wiggles out before somebody starts spinning in circles by the xylophones” lesson.

This lesson is packed with movement, listening, rhythm work, and performance activities that are perfect for the chaos of May and June.

And honestly? Students absolutely love it.

If you don’t love it after the month, the first charge is 100% refundable.

That means you can explore everything risk-free and see if it fits your classroom.

The Movie Is Only About 25 Minutes Long

Which honestly makes it kind of perfect.

Depending on your schedule, the Superworm movie may already take up most of your class period.

That’s why I usually recommend either:

• Using the full lesson the class before
• Or taking pieces of the lesson to set students up before the movie

Maybe you use:

• The movement break
• The rhythm activities
• The listening sections
• The character movement work

And then let students enjoy the movie afterward as the reward.

You Can Still Be the Fun Teacher

I think elementary music teachers sometimes feel guilty for slowing down at the end of the year.

But honestly?

You have worked hard all year long.

Your students have worked hard all year long.

There is nothing wrong with creating experiences that are joyful, memorable, movement-filled, and a little easier on everyone while still keeping music learning alive.

That is what these lessons are for.

Final Thoughts

So this is your permission slip.

Play the movie.

Let students enjoy something special.

Let yourself breathe a little.

But also? Keep the learning going in a way that still feels musical, active, meaningful, and fun.

Because surviving till summer is a skill too.

Happy playing,
Leanna O’Brien
Founder of The Soaring Scarves Academy

Check Out Some of Our Other Articles Here!