Unit Plan 17 (Grade K Music): Musical Turn-Taking

Focus: Practice starting, stopping, and waiting during music-making to build turn-taking and rehearsal habits.

Grade Level: K

Subject Area: Music (Performing • Responding)

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

I. Introduction

In this unit, students learn how to take turns in music: when to start, when to stop, and how to wait quietly while others play. Through simple songs, chants, and instrument games, they practice watching the teacher’s cues, using a “ready position,” and celebrating others’ turns. These skills prepare them for future performances and help the music classroom feel safe, fair, and calm.

Essential Questions

• How do we know when it is our turn to play or sing in music?
• Why is it important to stop, wait, and listen when it is someone else’s turn?
• How can we use teacher cues (eyes, hands, voice) to start and stop together?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Students will be able to:

1. Show a quiet ready position (still body, quiet mouth, eyes on the teacher) before starting music.
2. Respond to simple start/stop cues (voice, hand, or visual signal) while singing or playing instruments.
3. Take turns in small groups, waiting patiently while classmates perform.
4. Use teacher feedback (e.g., “freeze hands when it’s not your turn”) to improve turn-taking in a music game.

Standards Alignment — Kindergarten (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Pr5.1.Kb — With guidance, apply teacher-provided and collaboratively developed criteria and feedback to improve performance accuracy.
  • Example: Singing or playing again after teacher feedback to improve timing or starting and stopping together.

Success Criteria — Student-Friendly Language

• I can show a ready position when the teacher gives a “get ready” signal.
• I can start and stop my singing or playing when I see or hear the teacher’s cue.
• I can wait and listen respectfully while it is someone else’s turn.
• I can try again and improve how I take turns after my teacher or classmates give me feedback.