Unit Plan 14 (Grade 3 Music): Notating Melodies

Focus: Use notation and/or recording tools to document melodies, so musical ideas can be remembered, shared, and refined.

Grade Level: 3

Subject Area: Music (Melody • Notation • Creativity)

Total Unit Duration: 1–3 sessions (3+ weeks), 50–60 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn how to capture their musical ideas using notation and simple recording tools. Building on their experience with melodic patterns, major/minor sounds, and improvisation, they practice turning short melody ideas into iconic notation (shapes/lines), standard notation (notes on a staff), or audio recordings. Students discover that documenting melodies helps them remember, share, and improve their music. They also reflect on which documentation method works best for them in different situations.

Essential Questions

• Why is it important to write down or record our musical ideas?
• How can I use iconic notation, standard notation, or recordings to show how my melody sounds?
• What steps help me move from a melody in my head to something that is written or recorded?
• How can using notation or recordings help me rehearse, revise, or share my music later?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Use iconic notation (shapes, lines, and position) to represent the contour and rhythm of short melodic ideas.
2. Use standard notation (staff, line/space notes, basic rhythms) to document simple melody patterns within a limited pitch set.
3. Use recording technology (classroom tablet, computer, or other device) to make a clear audio recording of a personal melodic idea.
4. Choose an appropriate method—iconic, standard, or recorded—to document a melody for a given purpose (remembering, sharing, or revising).
5. Explain how documenting their ideas supports their music-making, including performing, revising, and collaborating.

Standards Alignment — Grade 3 Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Cr2.1.3b — Use standard and/or iconic notation and/or recording technology to document personal rhythmic and melodic musical ideas.
  • Example: Notating a rhythm using quarter and eighth notes.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can write down or record a short melodic idea so I can remember it later.
• I can use iconic notation to show how my melody moves up/down and fits the beat.
• I can use standard notation (staff, lines, spaces, note values) to show my melody clearly.
• I can make a simple audio recording of my melody that is clear and complete.
• I can explain why I chose notation or recording to document my idea and how it helps my music.