Unit Plan 9 (Grade 2 Music): Sharing Music
Grade 2 performance unit where students sing and play for classmates with expression, accuracy, and proper decorum while practicing respectful audience behavior.
Focus: Perform songs and rhythmic pieces for classmates with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate performance decorum and audience behavior.
Grade Level: 2
Subject Area: Music (Performing • Expression • Decorum)
Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, students prepare to share music they have learned—songs, chants, and rhythm pieces—with their classmates as an audience. They practice performing with clear voices, steady beat, and simple expression (dynamics, tempo, facial expression), while also learning what it means to show performance decorum: standing with good posture, focusing on the conductor/teacher, and starting and ending together. Students also practice being a respectful audience, listening quietly and responding with appropriate applause. They learn that how they perform and listen is part of the musical experience and should match the purpose and setting of the performance.
Essential Questions
- How can I perform songs and rhythms clearly and confidently for my classmates?
- What does performance decorum mean, and why is it important when we share music?
- How should performers and audiences behave so that everyone can enjoy and understand the music?
- How can I adjust my expression (voice, face, movement) and volume for a specific purpose or audience?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform familiar songs and rhythm pieces with accurate pitch, steady beat, and clear words or patterns.
- Show basic expression in performance (appropriate dynamics, clear beginnings/endings, focused faces/body).
- Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum (posture, attention, starting/ending together) when performing.
- Demonstrate appropriate audience behavior (quiet listening, watching, clapping at the right time) during classmates’ performances.
- Reflect briefly on what went well in a performance and what could improve next time.
Standards Alignment — Grade 2 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.2a — Perform music for a specific purpose with expression and technical accuracy.
- Here: Performing songs and rhythm pieces for classmates as the audience.
- MU:Pr6.1.2b — Perform appropriately for the audience and purpose.
- Here: Adjusting posture, focus, and volume for an in-class sharing performance.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform a song or rhythm with a steady beat and clear sound.
- I can show expression (face, voice, or dynamics) when I perform.
- I can stand or sit with good posture and focus while performing.
- I can listen quietly and clap at the right time as a respectful audience member.
- I can say one thing I did well and one thing I want to do better next time when I share music.