September Week 1 Lesson: Kindergarten
Note For How I Organize My Lessons
Before I share my lessons for September Week 1, I wanted to share with you generally how I structure my lesson planning. I have 7 skills that I like to make sure are included in my lessons: Sing, Play, Move, Listen, Create, Read/Write, and Respond/Analyze. My goal is to include at least 4 of these skills in every lesson.
When I was in the classroom, my schedule was one class twice a week. My classes ran anywhere from 30 to 50 minutes. So, when I create a weekly lesson, I am using that foundation in mind: each class twice a week. I typically repeat lessons for both classes but may extend an activity in the 2nd lesson. You may see some of that here. Ultimately, you know your classroom and students the best, so I always suggest using my lessons as a guide.
Okayyy, let’s get into the plans for September Week 1.
Focus Goals
- I can keep a steady beat with movement.
- I can hear and show high/low sounds.
Welcome & Warm-Up
Greet the class with a hello song.
I have a full year hello song schedule that you can download here.
Vocal exploration is another skill to work on this week, and what better way to explore voices than with animal sounds! You can also talk about whether these animal sounds are high or low. This is a great way to get students comfortable using their voice in music class.
Extension/Day 2: Have students come up with their own animal sounds
Bee Bee Bumblebee
Teach Bee Bee Bumblebee and have students practice keeping a steady beat as they sing.
Extension/Day 2: Teach the circle game.
Steady Beat Movement
I recently came across this song on youtube and I thought it was just the cutest song! A great way to get students to feel the steady beat using different parts of their body.
Have students march to the steady beat of the song.
Play a beat on a drum and have students decide what type of movement the class will do to the steady beat.
High and Low Vocal Exploration
This song is great for introducing high/low. It also incorporates instruments (egg shakers and rhythm sticks), so it’s a great way to start introducing instruments to your kinders. Don’t forget to talk about expectations before passing out instruments.
These are visuals you can use to introduce classroom instruments.
Freeze Dance
We engage in various movement activities in music class. Another expectation I will teach early on is the expectations around moving in the music class. During this week, we do freeze dance activities. Not only are they fun for the students, but they’re also a great way to practice listening skills as well.
Beat Buddy Choice Board
Listening skills are something that kinders need to develop early on. I created this beat buddy choice board to make it easier for me to link to different songs. I also have a blank version for you to add your own music. You can update the song choices every month so that you always have a fresh list.
