Singing and Movement

Learning Area

Creative Arts – Music (Foundation Year) aligned to NSW Curriculum for Years 1 and 2 (closest available stage)

Lesson Overview

This is Lesson 6 of 11 in the unit "Exploring Sound and Rhythm."
Students will learn a simple, repetitive song and incorporate AUSLAN signs to enhance their understanding and performance. The lesson promotes kinaesthetic learning through singing and movement, while introducing basic Auslan signs to support communication and inclusivity.

NSW Curriculum Links and Learning Objectives

Content Strand: Music – Singing and Playing
Stage: Foundation/Years 1 and 2 (aligned with Early Stage 1 and Stage 1 outcomes)
Learning Outcomes:
1. Responding and Interpreting
  - Students respond to classroom music by moving and singing, linking actions and sounds to meaning.
  - Students demonstrate listening skills and use the elements of music to improvise and/or compose music.
2. Composition and Performance
  - Students sing simple songs and use their voices and bodies to communicate ideas and feelings.
  - Incorporate movement and signing to enhance expressive performance.
3. Language Awareness (Cross-curriculum)
  - Use Auslan signs to communicate and participate in music activities.
  - Recognise that Auslan has conventions and rules for signing and is connected to culture and identity.

Lesson Duration

50 minutes (for a class of 20 Foundation students)

Learning Intentions

Learn and perform a simple repetitive song.
Incorporate AUSLAN signs corresponding to key words in the song.
Develop coordination through singing and signing simultaneously.
Understand that signing is a form of communication that enriches musical expression.

Success Criteria

Students sing the song confidently with correct rhythm.
Students perform AUSLAN signs accurately along with the song.
Students understand the purpose of Auslan signs in communication.
Advanced students create their own Auslan sign for an additional verse.

Resources Needed

Audio/video recording of the target song with Auslan signs (visual support).
Flashcards or posters of the Auslan signs used in the song.
Open space for movement and performing.
A simple lyric sheet with Auslan sign prompts.
Teacher or guest Auslan demonstrator (if possible).

Lesson Procedures

Time	Activity	Details	Differentiation & Extension
0-5 min	Welcome and Warm-up	- Brief circle time: greet using Auslan signs (e.g., Hello, Thank you). - Simple clapping rhythm warm-up to focus attention.	Visual and tactile learners benefit from sign repetition and clapping.
5-15 min	Introduction to Song and Signs	- Teacher introduces the song, singing it twice. - Show Auslan signs for key words (e.g., "hello", "friend", "sing"). Use video demo. - Students watch and join in practising the signs separately.	Use video demos and physical modelling. For learners needing extra support, pair with a buddy or use hand-over-hand assistance.
15-30 min	Practice Singing with AUSLAN Signs	- Students sing and perform the paired Auslan signs. - Break song into sections; practise singing + signing each section. - Repeat with teacher leading, then in small groups or pairs.	For hesitant students, allow them to focus on singing or signing first. Encourage advanced students to think about expression or create own sign.
30-40 min	Movement Integration	- Add simple movement or gestures linked to the song (e.g., stepping, swaying). - Perform as a whole class standing in a circle or semi-circle. - Reinforce safe spatial awareness during movement.	For learners with extra energy or advanced skills, encourage expressive dance or choreograph small group movements.
40-45 min	Extension Challenge	- Invite advanced learners to invent an AUSLAN sign for an additional 'verse' or lyric. - Share created signs with the class, practising new signs in the song.	Provide visual or physical support as required. Encourage peer assistance.
45-50 min	Reflection and Cool Down	- Sit in a circle reflecting on what was learned. - Teacher invites students to share ‘I liked…’ or ‘I found signing…’ either verbally, through writing, or Auslan signs. - Close with a simple goodbye song incorporating signs.	Use picture prompts to support reflections for diverse learners. Celebrate all achievements.

Differentiation Strategies

Use clear visual aids, including video demonstrations, to support Australian students with varied learning needs and language backgrounds.
Allow flexible participation: students can sing, sign, or move at their own comfort level.
Partner less confident students with supportive peers.
Use repetition and clear cues to reinforce learning.
Hands-on assistance or simplified signs for those who find motor skills difficult.

Extension Activities

Advanced students create and teach a new Auslan sign related to the song's theme.
Invite students to design a simple dance routine for the song incorporating signs.
Compose an additional verse using familiar Auslan signs or new signs created in class.
Record the class performance and reflect on using signing to enhance communication.

Assessment for Learning

Formative observation: Teacher notes participation in singing and signing.
Informal peer feedback during group practice.
Final group performance shows ability to combine singing and Auslan signs.
Reflection time provides insight into student understanding and engagement.

Teacher Reflection Notes

Monitor how students coordinate singing with signing—adjust pacing if necessary.
Note which signs require reteaching or additional modelling.
Consider integrating guest Auslan users in future lessons for authenticity.
Encourage positive reinforcement around inclusivity and respectful communication.

This detailed plan is crafted to meet NSW Foundation and Stage 1 curriculum frameworks in music and languages, incorporating Auslan to support inclusive, multimodal learning aligned with stated outcomes and achievement standards . It balances structure, movement, and creativity suitable for young learners within a 50-minute class timeframe.

Teaching Instructions