Routine Rhythms Curriculum Map
K-1 Music Curriculum Core
Routine Rhythms
NYS Arts Standards Integration & September Procedures Map
NYS ALIGNED
Week 1 Framework
Strategic Goal: To transform necessary operational routines (line-up, sitting, transitions) into immediate, active music-making opportunities, grounding students in NYS Performing, Connecting, and Responding standards from day one.
1. Routine & Action
2. Welcoming Song & Skill
3. NYS Music Standard
4. Year-Long Competency
Active Entry
Quiet stepping, circle seating posture.
"The Hello Song"
Echo singing, vocal exploration.
MU:Pr6.1.K-1
Perform expressively & demonstrate group decorum.
Ensemble Awareness
Maintains active listening, independent response.
Circle Transitions
Passing a mallet or physical hand tap.
"Johnny Play Drum"
Steady beat, instrumental handling.
MU:Pr4.3.K-1
Demonstrate contrast & feel for steady beat.
Rhythmic Stabilization
Internalization of steady pulse across templates.
Taking Turns
Solo/ensemble response, eye contact.
"Hickety Pickety"
Chanting, micro-solfege, solo pitch.
MU:Cn10.1.K-1
Connect personal interests & identity to music.
Pitch Accuracy & Solo
Individual comfort with matching high/low pitch.
Silent Signal
Freeze when hand signals or chimes occur.
"Siren Chimes"
Sound vs. silence, high vs. low.
MU:Re7.2.K-1
Describe contrast, patterns, structure in music.
Aural Discrimination
Discriminates dynamic, structural and pitch changes.
Care & Return
Safe handling, respectful placement.
"Put It on My Knee"
Instrument allocation rhythm chant.
MU:Pr6.1.K-1
Demonstrate appropriate performance etiquette.
Instrument Technique
Establishes safety boundaries & spatial control.
Creating
K-1 students improvise custom vocal soundscapes during sirens & welcome echoes.
Performing
K-1 students physically echo steady beats and match simple sol-mi pitch blocks.
Responding
K-1 students distinguish music play vs. silence, standing up / sitting down correctly.
Connecting
K-1 students connect names, gestures, and emotions directly to classroom greetings.
ELEMENTARY MUSIC / WEEK 1 HANDOUT NYS ARTS STANDARDS CORE
Welcoming Songs Weekly Lesson Plan
Active K-1 Lesson Plans
Welcoming Songs
First 5 Days: Building Routines & Exploring Simple Beats
Teacher Edition
Page 1 of 2
Teacher:
Classes: Kindergarten & Grade 1
Duration: 30-40 Mins / Day
Focus Standards: MU:Pr6.1, MU:Pr4.3, MU:Cn10.1
1 DAY 1: Step into Sound & Warm Greeting
MU:Pr6.1.K-1
Primary Routine:
Quiet Entry & Dot Spots
Students line up outside. Teacher sings instructions to lead them in. Each student chooses a colorful velcro "dot spot" in a circle layout.
Song & Procedure:
"The Hello Song" (Traditional)
Teach by echo singing. Teacher sings: "Hello, class (s-m-d)". Class echoes: "Hello, teacher (s-m-d)". Add simple waves on the beat.
Teacher Tips:
- Praise silent entry immediately.
- Use a high pitch voice to capture attention naturally (avoid shouting).
- Establish the "Hands on Knees" focus sign.
2 DAY 2: Circle Harmony & Name Chanting
MU:Cn10.1.K-1
Primary Routine:
Establishing Circle Bounds
Students enter and go straight to their dot spots. Practice transitioning from standing in front of spots to sitting gracefully with "sit like a professional" posture.
Song & Procedure:
"Hickety Pickety Bumblebee"
Students tap thighs on beat. Teacher chants: "Hickety pickety bumblebee, won't you say your name for me?" Student whispers name; group chants back.
Teacher Tips:
- Use a bee hand puppet for a fun physical focal point.
- Accept whispers or head nods from shy students; do not pressure solos.
- Keep beat tempo steady and crisp.
3 DAY 3: Feeling the Pulse & Instrument Care
MU:Pr4.3.K-1
Primary Routine:
Silent Stop & Hand signals
Introduce the silent hand raise signal: when the teacher raises their hand or sounds a chime, students freeze instantly with empty hands on head or knees.
Song & Procedure:
"Johnny Plays the Drum" (With Hand Drum)
Pass a hand drum around the circle. Students sing: "Johnny play drum, one-two-three!" The drum-holder beats 3 times, then passes the drum carefully to the left.
Teacher Tips:
- Emphasize passing with "gentle kitten hands".
- Teach the rule: "We only hit when it's our turn, otherwise hands are silent."
