1st grade music - Marking Period 1
During Marking Period 1, first graders develop an understanding of musical form by
identifying repeated and contrasting sections heard in music. First graders practice
the critical thinking skill of analysis as they listen to a variety of songs and
instrumental compositions and identify sections that sound the same and different.
Students also practice singing a variety of songs and tonal patterns, matching pitch
within a limited vocal range. The focus is on the contrast between high and low
sounds. These skills are developed through the performance of simple folk songs and
singing games. Following musical cues in singing games is a major emphasis of the
marking period and requires students to practice the academic success skill of
collaboration.
Measurement Topics:
Analyzing and Responding to Music
1st grade music - Marking Period 2
During Marking Period 2, students compare, perform, and move to musical sounds
which demonstrate contrasts in fast/slow, loud/soft, long/short, and high/low.
They are exposed to music from a variety of cultures and styles in these
experiences. Students continue to play classroom instruments and should be able
to perform a steady beat on classroom instruments. First grade students learn to
read simple rhythm and pitch patterns from iconic notation and use the creative
thinking skill of fluency to develop their own iconic notation. By the end of the
marking period, they are asked to take intellectual risks by creating simple
rhythmic and melodic patterns and notating them using iconic representation.
Measurement Topics:
Analyzing and Responding to Music
Performing Music
1st grade music - Marking Period 3
During Marking Period 3, first graders use effort, motivation, and persistence to
practice reading quarter and eighth note rhythms and so-mi pitch patterns. These
concepts are explored through folk songs and singing games. Students notate
simple rhythm and pitch patterns using iconic representation. In addition, they
practice notating pitches placing notes in spaces and around lines. Students learn
about improvisation and its use in jazz.
Measurement Topics:
Creating Music
Reading and Notating
1st grade music - Marking Period 4
During Marking Period 4, first graders continue to practice reading simple rhythm
and pitch patterns. They are introduced to the sign for a quarter rest as a
representation of a silent beat. Experiences with reading music contribute to
students’ ability to notate simple rhythm and pitch patterns, placing notes in
spaces and around lines. These tasks require students to monitor their own
thinking using metacognition. Much of the focus during this marking period is on
creating music.
Measurement Topics:
Reading and Notating Music
Creating Music