Unit Plan 12 (Grade 1 Music): Reading Rhythm Icons
Grade 1 music unit where students read and perform 2–4 beat rhythmic patterns using icons and simple notation, then document their own rhythm ideas with symbols so they can remember, share, and perform them confidently.
Focus: Read and perform short rhythmic patterns using icons and simple notation, and begin to document personal rhythm ideas.
Grade Level: 1
Subject Area: Music (Reading • Creating • Performing)
Total Unit Duration: 2–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, first graders learn that rhythms can be written down with pictures and simple notation, not just remembered in their heads. Students practice matching sounds to symbols, reading rhythm icon cards, and performing them with body percussion and instruments. They then begin to create and organize their own patterns using icons or simple note shapes, so they can remember and share their musical ideas later.
Essential Questions
- How can pictures and symbols show the way a rhythm sounds?
- What helps me read a rhythm card and play it correctly?
- How can I use icons or simple notation to remember my own rhythm ideas?
- How does writing rhythms help our class make and share music together?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Match simple rhythm icons to sounds (e.g., one icon per beat).
- Read and perform 2–4 beat rhythm patterns from icon cards using body percussion or instruments.
- With limited guidance, arrange given icons into a short rhythm pattern and perform it.
- With limited guidance, draw or place icons to document a personal rhythm idea.
- Explain how their icon pattern shows the order and length of sounds and silences.
Standards Alignment — Grade 1 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr4.2.1b — When analyzing selected music, read and perform rhythmic patterns using iconic or standard notation.
- Example: Reading rhythm cards and playing them accurately on percussion instruments.
- 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 look at rhythm icons and know how many sounds or beats to play.
- I can read and perform a short pattern from a rhythm card.
- I can build my own rhythm pattern using icons or simple notes.
- I can show and tell how my symbols match the sounds I make.
- I can follow the rhythm reading routines we use in class.