Unit Plan 32 (PreK Music): Performing Favorite Songs

Focus: Sing and move to favorite class songs with enjoyment, expression, and simple performance behaviors.

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

Children celebrate the music they know and love by preparing and performing a small set of favorite class songs. They practice using their singing voices, matching basic motions, and showing simple performance behaviors such as facing the “audience” and staying in their own space. Over several sessions, the class builds toward a friendly “mini sharing time” where children perform for classmates, stuffed animals, or another small audience with confidence and joy.

Essential Questions

• How can we show that we are ready to perform our favorite songs?
• What does it look and sound like to sing with confidence and expression?
• How do we show we are being a good audience when friends are performing?
• Why do we like certain songs, and how can we share them with others?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:

1. Sing or chant one or more favorite class songs with growing confidence and steady participation.
2. Use simple movements or gestures that match the music (e.g., clapping, patting, hand motions) while staying in their own space.
3. Show basic performance behaviors, such as facing the audience, starting and stopping with the teacher, and staying with the group.
4. Demonstrate audience skills by listening quietly, watching performers, and clapping at the end.
5. Share something they like about a performance using simple words (“I liked the loud part,” “I liked the clapping”).

Standards Alignment — PreK (Music)

• MU:Pr5.1.PK — Perform music with expression and enjoyment. Children sing, chant, or move with engagement and confidence.
  • Example: Joining in on a familiar song with gestures and happy faces.
• MU:Pr6.1.PK — Perform music for others. Children share music in informal settings.
  • Example: Singing for another class, stuffed animals, or caregivers.

Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language

• I can sing or chant our favorite songs with my class.
• I can use motions or movements that match the music.
• I can show I am ready to perform by facing the front, starting and stopping with everyone, and staying in my spot.
• I can be a good listener when others are performing.
• I can say one thing I liked after a performance.