Unit Plan 2 (Grade 6 Vocal Music): Singing Posture & Breathing

Focus: Develop correct singing posture and breath support for healthy, confident singing with changing voices.

Grade Level: 6

Subject Area: Vocal Music (Technique • Vocal Health • Foundations)

Total Unit Duration: 5 sessions (one week), 45–55 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students build a foundation of healthy singing technique by focusing on posture and breathing. They learn how aligned posture, relaxed muscles, and low, supported breaths help them sing with a clear, comfortable tone, especially as their voices begin to change. Through guided warm-ups, breathing games, and simple singing exercises, students experiment with how their bodies feel and sound when they use healthy technique and reflect on strategies they can use throughout the year.

Essential Questions

• What does correct singing posture look and feel like, and why does it matter for sound?
• How does breath support affect tone, pitch stability, and stamina when we sing?
• How can we adjust our singing technique to stay comfortable and safe as our voices change?
• How can we use posture and breathing habits to support the whole ensemble’s sound?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Demonstrate correct singing posture in standing and seated positions, with aligned spine, relaxed shoulders, and balanced weight.
2. Use low, supported breathing (diaphragmatic/abdominal) to take silent, efficient breaths before singing.
3. Connect posture and breath to clear tone production, noticing how tension or slouching changes sound.
4. Apply posture and breathing skills to simple vocal warm-ups and short songs, maintaining technique throughout a phrase.
5. Describe at least one personal strategy for remembering healthy posture and breathing during rehearsals.

Standards Alignment — Grade 6 Vocal Music (custom, NAfME-style)

• VM:Pr4.6a — Demonstrate correct singing posture, breathing, and tone production appropriate for changing voices.
  • Example: Students practice relaxed posture and breath support before singing.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can show correct singing posture with my feet, spine, and shoulders in the right place.
• I can take silent, low breaths and feel expansion in my ribs or belly instead of lifting my shoulders.
• I can hear and feel the difference between a supported, healthy tone and a tight or pushed sound.
• I can keep good posture and breathing all the way through a short song or warm-up.
• I can explain one reminder or strategy that helps me remember to use healthy posture and breathing in choir.