Unit Plan 10 (Grade K Music): Classroom Instruments

Focus: Identify and play classroom percussion instruments safely while reinforcing steady beat, loud/soft, and listening skills.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Music (Creating • Performing • Responding)

Total Unit Duration: 2–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

In this unit, students are introduced to classroom percussion instruments (such as rhythm sticks, hand drums, shakers, and triangles). They learn how to hold, play, and care for instruments safely while exploring steady beat and sound contrasts (loud/soft, long/short). Through simple echo patterns, play-alongs, and movement, students begin to connect how they play an instrument with how the music sounds and feels.

Essential Questions

• How do we safely use classroom instruments in music?
• How can instruments help us keep a steady beat and play together?
• How do loud/soft sounds and different instruments change the way music feels?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Name and identify several classroom percussion instruments by sight and sound.
2. Demonstrate safe handling and basic playing technique for at least two instruments.
3. Keep a steady beat using instruments while playing along with a song or chant.
4. Show and describe loud/soft and long/short sounds using classroom instruments.
5. Participate in a short Classroom Instruments Pattern Piece that combines steady beat and simple echo patterns.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Cr1.1.Kb — With guidance, generate musical ideas through movement, improvisation, or sound exploration.
  • Example: Creating different ways to tap, shake, or scrape a percussion instrument.
• MU:Pr4.2.Ka — With guidance, explore and demonstrate awareness of music contrasts such as high/low, loud/soft, and same/different.
  • Example: Playing instruments softly and loudly on purpose to match teacher prompts.

Success Criteria — Student Language

• I can name and show how to play at least one classroom instrument safely.
• I can use my instrument to keep a steady beat with the class.
• I can make loud and soft sounds and change how my music feels.
• I can follow directions and play only when it is my turn.