Unit Plan 13 (Grade 2 Music): Organizing Music Ideas
Grade 2 music unit where students combine and sequence ideas using notation or recordings to document, rehearse, and share organized musical pieces.
Focus: Use notation or recordings to combine, sequence, and document musical ideas so they can be remembered, rehearsed, and shared with others.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Music (Creating • Organizing • Notation/Recording)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn how to organize their own musical ideas so they do not disappear once they are created. They discover that rhythms and short musical ideas can be combined and put in sequence (for example, beginning–middle–end) to make a small piece of music. Using icons, simple note symbols, and/or recording devices, they practice documenting their ideas so they can remember, repeat, and share them. Students begin to see how musicians plan and save their work just like writers and artists do.
Essential Questions
- How can I save my musical ideas so I don’t forget them?
- What does it mean to combine and sequence musical patterns to make a longer piece?
- How can notation (pictures or notes) or recordings help me organize music from beginning, middle, to end?
- How do I know if my written or recorded music is clear enough for someone else to perform?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Combine 2–3 short musical ideas (e.g., rhythm patterns) into a longer sequence (beginning–middle–end).
- Use iconic or standard notation to document their musical ideas on paper or a template.
- Optionally, use simple recording technology (teacher device, classroom tablet) to record and play back their combined ideas.
- Perform their organized musical ideas with a steady beat and clear transitions between sections.
- Explain how their notation or recording helps them remember and share their music.
Standards Alignment — Grade 2 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Cr2.1.2b — Use iconic or standard notation and/or recording technology to combine, sequence, and document personal musical ideas.
- Example: Writing rhythm icons in order to remember a composition.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can put my musical ideas in order (beginning–middle–end).
- I can write or record my ideas so I can perform them again later.
- I can read back what I wrote and clap or play it.
- I can perform my organized music with clear sections and a steady beat.
- I can tell how my notation or recording helps me remember my music.