Unit Plan 25 (PreK Music): Call & Response Songs
PreK music unit on echo and call-and-response songs, building listening, turn-taking, and pattern skills through singing, movement, and simple instruments.
Focus: Participate in echo and simple call-and-response songs, learning to listen, wait, and repeat musical ideas with the class.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Music (Exploring • Performing • Responding • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 2–3 sessions (1–2 weeks), 15–25 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children discover the fun of call-and-response music by echoing sounds, words, and simple patterns led by the teacher. Through playful songs and chants, they practice listening closely, waiting for their turn, and responding together. Movement, hand motions, and instruments help them connect the idea of “you sing, then I sing” or “I play, then you play,” building early skills for musical turn-taking and group performance.
Essential Questions
- How do we know when it’s our turn to sing or play in a call-and-response song?
- Why is listening carefully important when we echo sounds in music?
- How does it feel to make music together by taking turns?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Join in call-and-response and echo songs by repeating short patterns after the leader.
- Show good listening by waiting for the leader’s part to finish before responding.
- Use voice and simple instruments (e.g., hand drums, shakers) to echo short rhythm or word patterns.
- Describe how it feels to take turns and make music with others.
Standards Alignment — PreK Music
- MU:Cr2.1.PK — Organize sounds into simple patterns. Children repeat, echo, and vary short musical ideas.
- Example: Copying a teacher’s clapped rhythm.
- MU:Pr5.1.PK — Perform music with expression and enjoyment. Children sing, chant, or move with engagement and confidence.
- Example: Singing familiar songs with gestures.
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can listen and then echo a sound, word, or rhythm after my teacher.
- I can wait for my turn before I sing or play.
- I can use my voice or an instrument to repeat a short pattern.
- I can tell how it feels to take turns and make music with my class.