Unit Plan 33 (PreK Music): Music Choices & Preferences
PreK music unit where children share music preferences respectfully using simple words, movement, and art while learning describing words and listening skills.
Focus: Share opinions about music respectfully using simple words, movement, and art.
Grade Level: PreK
Subject Area: Music (Responding • Connecting)
Total Unit Duration: 3–4 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session
I. Introduction
Children explore their own musical likes and dislikes while practicing how to talk about music in kind and respectful ways. Across the unit, they listen to short pieces of music that vary in tempo, dynamics, style, and instrumentation. They show their preferences through movement, pictures, and simple spoken sentences (“I like…,” “I don’t like…,” “It sounds…”). The class builds shared language for musical choices while learning that it is okay for friends to have different favorites.
Essential Questions
- How can I tell someone what I like or don’t like about music in a kind way?
- What words can I use to describe music (fast, slow, loud, quiet, happy, calm)?
- How can I show my music choices with my body, my voice, or my drawings?
- How can we listen respectfully when our friends share their music ideas?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Listen to short pieces of music and show simple preferences using movement (thumbs up, gestures) or words.
- Use basic describing words (e.g., fast, slow, loud, quiet, happy, calm) when talking about music.
- Share at least one opinion about a piece of music using a simple sentence (“I liked…” or “I didn’t like…”).
- Respond to classmates’ music opinions respectfully (listening quietly, not teasing, waiting their turn).
- Represent their musical preferences through drawing or simple symbols (e.g., happy/sad faces, color choices).
Standards Alignment — PreK (Music)
- MU:Re8.1.PK — Communicate ideas about music. Children share preferences and reactions using words, drawings, or movement.
- Example: Drawing a picture inspired by music, then saying “This music made me think of rain.”
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can listen to music and decide if I like it or not.
- I can use words like fast, slow, loud, quiet, happy, or calm to talk about music.
- I can say what I liked about a song in a kind way.
- I can listen quietly when my friends share their music ideas.
- I can show my music choices with my drawing or my movements.