Unit Plan 34 (PreK Music): Independent Music Centers
PreK music centers unit where children explore instruments, movement, and listening stations independently, make simple music choices, and share what they created.
Focus: Explore instruments and music activities independently while making simple musical choices.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Music (Exploring • Performing • Responding • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 3–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
In this unit, children explore a variety of independent music centers that let them make choices about how to create and respond to sound. Through hands-on play with instruments, movement activities, and listening stations, they practice using musical ideas they’ve learned—such as loud/soft, fast/slow, and steady beat—without always needing direct teacher direction. The teacher sets clear routines and expectations so that children can rotate through centers safely, share materials, and enjoy making music on their own or with a small group.
Essential Questions
- How can I make music by myself or with a small group at a music center?
- What music choices can I make to show loud/soft, fast/slow, or steady beat?
- How do I take turns and share instruments at a center?
- How can I tell someone what I did or liked at a music center?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Explore at least two different music centers using instruments, voices, or movement activities.
- Make simple musical choices (e.g., loud/soft, fast/slow, high/low, steady beat) during independent play.
- Follow basic expectations for independent work, including taking turns, sharing materials, and staying in a designated area.
- Describe or show one thing they did at a center using words, gestures, or drawing.
- Demonstrate simple patterns or sound ideas created at a center (e.g., repeating a rhythm or a movement pattern).
Standards Alignment — PreK (Music)
- MU:Cr1.1.PK — Explore musical ideas through play and improvisation. Children experiment with sounds using voice, body, and classroom instruments.
- Example: Making up sounds for animals or weather.
- MU:Pr4.2.PK — Explore music concepts through singing and movement. Children explore pitch, loud/soft, and steady beat.
- Example: Singing high and low echoes.
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can try different music centers and make my own sounds or movements.
- I can show loud/soft, fast/slow, or steady beat at a music center.
- I can stay at my center spot, share instruments, and take turns.
- I can tell or show my teacher what I did at a music center.