Unit Plan 14 (PreK Music): Singing with Expression

Focus: Sing songs using facial expression and dynamics (loud/soft) to show different feelings.

Grade Level: PreK

Subject Area: Music (Exploring • Performing • Responding • Connecting)

Total Unit Duration: 2–3 sessions (2+ weeks), 20–30 minutes per session

I. Introduction

Children explore how music can sound happy, sleepy, excited, or calm by changing their faces and voices. Through simple songs, echo games, and movement, they practice singing loud and soft and using facial expressions that match how the music feels. They begin to notice that the same song can feel different when they sing it in different ways.

Essential Questions

• How can we use our faces and voices to show how music makes us feel?
• What is the difference between singing loud and soft, and when might we use each one?
• How does changing the way we sing change how the music feels?

II. Objectives and Standards

Learning Objectives — Children will:

1. Sing short songs and echoes using loud and soft voices with teacher support.
2. Use facial expression (smiles, surprised faces, calm faces) to show feelings in music.
3. Describe how a song makes them feel using simple emotion words (happy, sad, sleepy, excited).
4. Perform a short song for classmates using expressive voices and faces.

Standards Alignment — PreK Music (NAfME-Aligned)

• MU:Pr5.1.PK — Perform music with expression and enjoyment. Children sing, chant, or move with engagement and confidence. Example: Singing familiar songs with gestures and expressive faces.
• MU:Re7.2.PK — Describe how music makes them feel. Children express emotional responses to music. Example: Saying “This song makes me happy” or “This sounds sleepy.”

Success Criteria — Child-Friendly Language

• I can sing loud and soft when my teacher asks.
• I can use my face to show how the music feels.
• I can say how a song makes me feel (happy, sad, sleepy, excited).
• I can sing for my friends using my best singing voice and expressive face.