Unit Plan 36 (Grade 3 Music): Music Sharing Day
Grade 3 music unit where students perform for peers with expression, accuracy, and proper performance decorum while practicing respectful audience etiquette.
Focus: Perform music for peers with expression, technical accuracy, and appropriate performance decorum and audience etiquette.
Grade Level: 3
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 participate in a Music Sharing Day, performing for classmates as their audience. They focus on performing with technical accuracy and expression, while also demonstrating proper performance decorum—posture, focus, and respectful behavior on stage—and audience etiquette—quiet listening, appropriate applause, and encouragement. Through guided practice, mini-performances, and a sharing event, students experience what it means to be both a performer and a supportive audience member in a real musical context.
Essential Questions
- What does it mean to perform music with expression and technical accuracy?
- How should performers behave on stage to show proper performance decorum?
- How should an audience behave to show respect for performers and the music?
- How does sharing music with others change the way we prepare and perform?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:
- Perform a familiar song or piece for classmates with mostly accurate pitch, rhythm, and steady beat.
- Use expressive elements (dynamics, tempo, tone, facial energy) to communicate the character of the music.
- Demonstrate appropriate performance decorum while entering, performing, and exiting the performance area.
- Demonstrate appropriate audience etiquette, including attentive listening, silence during performances, and supportive applause.
- Reflect on their experience as both performer and audience member, naming one strength and one goal.
Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr6.1.3a — Perform music with expression and technical accuracy.
- Example: Singing in tune with appropriate dynamics.
- MU:Pr6.1.3b — Demonstrate performance decorum and audience etiquette appropriate to the context and venue.
- Example: Showing proper posture and focus during a concert.
Success Criteria — Student Language
- I can perform my music with mostly correct notes, rhythms, and steady beat.
- I can show expression in my performance using dynamics, tempo, tone, and energy.
- I can show good performance decorum (posture, focus, respectful behavior on stage).
- I can show good audience etiquette (quiet listening, kind applause, no distractions).
- I can say one thing I did well as a performer and one thing I want to improve next time.