Unit Plan 18 (Grade 1 Music): Performing with Purpose
Grade 1 music unit where students perform songs for classroom purposes using expression, posture, and audience etiquette to build confidence.
Focus: Perform music for a specific classroom purpose (greeting, transitions, celebrations) with appropriate expression and audience behavior.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Music (Performing • Expressing • Community)
Total Unit Duration: 2–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders learn that music can be used for special purposes in the classroom, such as welcoming, transitioning, or celebrating. Students practice performing short songs and chants while thinking about who they are singing for and why. They work on singing with confident voices, clear words, and body posture that fits the situation, learning that performance is both about the sound and the way we behave as performers and audience members.
Essential Questions
- Why do we perform music in our classroom and school?
- How can I change my voice, face, and body to fit the purpose of a song (welcome, quiet, celebration)?
- What does it mean to perform with good concert behavior and be a respectful audience member?
- How does performing music together help our class feel like a community?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- With limited guidance, perform a short song or chant for a specific classroom purpose (e.g., greeting, lining up, celebrating).
- Use expression (voice strength, tempo, facial expression) that matches the song’s purpose.
- Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum (posture, focus, starting and ending together).
- Demonstrate audience etiquette (listening quietly, watching, clapping appropriately).
- Explain in simple language why a song fits a certain classroom purpose and how they performed it to match.
Standards Alignment — Grade 1 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.1a — With limited guidance, perform music for a specific purpose with expression.
- Example: Singing a welcome song with confident voices and gestures.
- MU:Pr6.1.1b — Perform appropriately for the audience and purpose.
- Example: Adjusting volume and posture when performing for guests.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform a song that fits a classroom purpose (welcome, quiet, celebration).
- I can use my voice and face to show how the song should feel.
- I can stand or sit with good posture and focus when I perform.
- I can show I am a good audience member by listening and watching respectfully.
- I can explain why our song fit the purpose we chose.