Unit Plan 35 (PreK Music): Preparing to Perform
PreK music unit helping children practice performing songs and chants, follow start/stop cues, build confidence on stage, and share music with an audience.
Focus: Practice performing for an audience with simple musical pieces, clear start/stop cues, and confident sharing.
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 get ready to share their music with others by practicing how to perform simple songs, chants, or sound pieces for an audience. They explore what it means to be “on stage,” how to start and stop together, and how to show they are ready using their bodies and faces. Across several sessions, the class rehearses short pieces, switches between performer and audience roles, and builds toward a friendly, low-pressure “mini performance” where they can feel proud and successful.
Essential Questions
- How do we know when it is time to start and stop our music together?
- What does it look and sound like when we are ready to perform for an audience?
- How can we show respect when we are the audience for our friends?
- What helps us feel more confident when we perform?
II. Objectives and Standards
Learning Objectives — Children will be able to:
- Perform short songs, chants, or sound pieces with a group using their singing voice, speaking voice, or instruments.
- Follow simple start and stop cues from the teacher (e.g., hand signal, drum hit) and end with a big “freeze.”
- Demonstrate basic performance behaviors such as facing the audience, staying in their spot, and using a calm, ready body.
- Show audience behaviors by listening quietly, watching performers, and clapping at the end.
- Share a simple reflection about performing or listening, such as “I felt happy when we played” or “I liked the loud part.”
Standards Alignment — PreK (Music)
- MU:Pr6.1.PK — Perform music for others. Children share music in informal settings.
- Example: Singing or chanting for another class, stuffed animals, or caregivers in a brief sharing moment.
- MU:Cr3.1.PK — Share musical ideas with others. Children present simple musical ideas through singing or movement.
- Example: Performing a short chant, rhythm pattern, or sound piece they practiced in class.
Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language
- I can perform a song, chant, or sound piece with my class.
- I can start and stop with the group when the teacher gives a signal.
- I can show I am ready to perform with a calm body, eyes looking forward, and a big freeze at the end.
- I can be a good audience member when my friends perform.
- I can say one thing I liked about our performance or my friends’ performance.