Unit Plan 5 (PreK Music): Finding the Beat

Focus: Move bodies to a steady beat using walking, clapping, tapping, and simple instruments.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Music (Creating • Performing • Responding • Connecting)

Total Unit Duration: 3–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children explore what it feels like to move and play with the beat in music. Through walking, marching, clapping, and tapping with simple instruments, they learn that the steady beat is like the music’s “heartbeat” that stays the same while other parts change. They practice following the teacher and recorded music to keep the beat with their bodies and with classroom instruments.

Essential Questions

• What is a steady beat, and how can we feel it in our bodies?
• How can we show the beat with our feet, hands, and instruments?
• Why is it helpful for the class to move and play together on the beat?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:

1. Move their bodies (walking, marching, tapping, patting) to a steady beat in familiar songs.
2. Clap or tap a steady beat with hands and simple instruments (e.g., rhythm sticks, drums, shakers).
3. Start and stop moving or playing on a teacher’s signal while keeping the beat as long as the music plays.
4. Share in simple words or gestures how the beat feels (e.g., “slow walking,” “fast marching,” “boom-boom like a heart”).

Standards Alignment — PreK Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Pr4.1.PK — Demonstrate awareness of music through movement and sound.
  • Children respond physically or vocally to music they hear.
  • Example: Moving fast to fast music, slow to slow music.
• 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 — Student Language

• I can walk or march to the beat of the music.
• I can clap or tap the beat with my hands or an instrument.
• I can start and stop on the teacher’s signal while the music is playing.
• I can show that the beat is like a heartbeat that keeps going.