Unit Plan 35 (Grade 2 Music): Preparing to Perform
Grade 2 music unit: rehearse with practice strategies and kind feedback to improve accuracy, expression, and confidence before performing.
Focus: Rehearse music using effective practice strategies and kind feedback to improve accuracy and expression before performing.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Music (Rehearsing • Performing • Revising)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students learn what it really means to rehearse music, not just “sing it again.” They explore simple practice strategies—such as clapping the rhythm first, speaking the words, slowing down tricky parts, and echo-singing—to fix performance challenges like fast words, hard rhythms, or coming in together. Students also learn how to give and receive kind, helpful feedback and use it to revise their music. The goal is for students to feel more confident and prepared when it is time to share music with others.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to rehearse music, and how is that different from just “performing it again”?
- How can practice strategies help us fix tricky parts and make our music stronger?
- How can personal, peer, and teacher feedback help us revise and improve our music?
- What rehearsal habits show that we are focused, responsible, and ready to perform?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Describe what rehearsal is and name at least one practice strategy they can use (clap rhythm, slow it down, speak words, echo-singing).
- Work with a partner or small group to rehearse a short song or pattern, focusing on one clear challenge.
- Use teacher or peer feedback (e.g., “It rushed here,” “We lost the beat”) to make a visible change in their music.
- Identify a specific performance challenge (fast words, tricky rhythm, starting together) and choose a strategy to address it.
- Participate in a “practice performance” showing improvement in either accuracy or expression compared to the first try.
Standards Alignment — Grade 2 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr5.1.2b — Rehearse, identify, and apply strategies to address interpretive, performance, and technical challenges of music.
- Example: Clapping rhythm first before adding words.
- MU:Cr3.1.2a — Interpret and apply personal, peer, and teacher feedback to revise personal music.
- Example: Changing tempo after classmates suggest it feels rushed.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can say what part of the music is tricky for me.
- I can use at least one rehearsal strategy to help fix a challenge.
- I can listen to feedback and change something in my music because of it.
- I can rehearse with focus and kind behavior in my group.
- I can tell how my music improved from the first time I tried it.