Unit Plan 13 (Grade 1 Music): Creating Rhythms
Grade 1 music unit where students create, organize, and perform short rhythm patterns using body percussion, instruments, and simple icons to document and share musical ideas.
Focus: Create and organize short rhythm patterns using body percussion, voices, instruments, and simple visual notation.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Music (Creating • Organizing • Performing)
Total Unit Duration: 2–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders become rhythm creators. They explore making up their own short rhythm patterns using claps, pats, snaps, and simple classroom instruments. Students learn that good rhythm ideas are repeatable and can be organized in a clear order. They then begin to write down or arrange their rhythms using icons or simple notation, so they can remember, practice, and share them with others.
Essential Questions
- How can I use my voice, hands, and instruments to create a rhythm pattern?
- What makes a rhythm idea clear and easy to repeat?
- How can I organize my rhythm ideas so I don’t forget them?
- How does writing or drawing rhythms help me share my music with others?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- With limited guidance, improvise short rhythmic patterns (2–4 beats) using body percussion and/or instruments.
- Repeat their own rhythm patterns so that they sound the same each time.
- With limited guidance, organize rhythm ideas by choosing an order for sounds and silences.
- Use icons or simple notation to document and organize personal rhythm patterns on a strip or page.
- Share their created rhythm pattern with classmates and explain how their symbols match the sounds.
Standards Alignment — Grade 1 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Cr1.1.1a — With limited guidance, improvise rhythmic and melodic patterns and ideas.
- Example: Students improvise short rhythm patterns using claps or drums.
- MU:Cr2.1.1b — With limited guidance, use iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to document and organize personal musical ideas.
- Example: Drawing symbols or recording a rhythm pattern to remember it.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can make up (improvise) a short rhythm pattern.
- I can repeat my rhythm so it sounds the same each time.
- I can put my rhythm ideas in order so they make a pattern.
- I can use pictures or simple notes to show my rhythm on paper.
- I can show and tell how my drawing or icons match the way my rhythm sounds.