Unit Plan 4 (PreK Music): Loud & Soft
PreK music unit exploring loud and soft sounds with voices, instruments, and movement, building dynamic awareness, safe sound use, and expressive listening.
Focus: Help children notice, feel, and show the difference between loud and soft sounds using voices, instruments, and movement.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Music (Exploring Sound • Expressive Listening • Movement)
Total Unit Duration: 2–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children explore dynamic contrast by playing with loud and soft sounds in playful, safe ways. Through songs, echo games, and instrument activities, they practice using soft voices vs. loud voices, quiet vs. big movements, and gentle vs. strong instrument playing. They learn that both loud and soft music are important, and that we must use them safely and on purpose in class.
Essential Questions
- How can we tell when music or sound is loud or soft?
- How can we show loud and soft with our voices, bodies, and instruments?
- When is it safe and appropriate to make loud sounds and when do we need to be soft and quiet?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will:
- Distinguish between loud and soft sounds in recorded and live music.
- Use their voices to demonstrate loud and soft in simple songs and echo games.
- Play classroom instruments using gentle and stronger sounds while still being safe.
- Move their bodies in ways that match loud (big, strong) and soft (small, gentle) music.
- Share simple ideas about how loud or soft music makes them feel.
Standards Alignment — PreK Music (NAfME-Aligned)
- MU:Pr4.2.PK — Explore music concepts through singing and movement. Children explore pitch, loud/soft, and steady beat.
- Example: Singing high/low or loud/soft echoes with the teacher.
- MU:Re7.2.PK — Describe how music makes them feel. Children express emotional responses to music.
- Example: Saying, “This loud song makes me feel excited!” or “This soft song is sleepy.”
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can tell when music is loud and when it is soft.
- I can use my voice to sing or speak loudly and softly when the teacher asks.
- I can play instruments gently and strongly without hurting ears or instruments.
- I can move my body to show loud (big) and soft (small) music.
- I can say how a loud or soft song makes me feel.