Working Together Through Music

Curriculum Area: The Arts – Music

Level: Te Whāriki (New Zealand Early Childhood Curriculum)
Strand: Contribution – "Children experience an environment where they are encouraged to learn with and alongside others."
Strand: Belonging – "Children experience an environment where they know the limits and boundaries of acceptable behaviour."

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Lesson Objective:

This lesson aims to help preschool boys understand the concepts of turn-taking, listening, sharing, and self-regulation through engaging musical activities that reinforce positive social behaviour.

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Lesson Duration: 30 minutes

Class Size: 5 Students

Materials Needed:

• Small percussion instruments (drums, maracas, tambourines)
• A large playmat for students to sit in a circle
• A portable speaker or a musical instrument for live playing (such as a ukulele or keyboard)
• Visual cue cards (STOP, GO, LISTEN, TURN-TAKING)
• Favourite songs that promote teamwork (e.g., Wheels on the Bus or If You’re Happy and You Know It)

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Lesson Breakdown:

1. Welcome and Settling in (5 minutes)

• Have students sit in a circle on the mat.
• Use a soft chime or gentle drumbeat to signal the start of class.
• Greet each student individually with a ‘high five’ or a ‘thumbs up’ to establish positive energy.

Behaviour Focus: Sitting calmly, listening to the teacher.

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2. Introduction to the Concept (5 minutes)

• Explain through a simple song how taking turns and sharing helps everyone make music together.
• Use a fun metaphor: “Music works like a team – we have to listen to each other to make a beautiful song!”
• Introduce the STOP and GO cue cards. Explain that when the GO card is held up, they can play their instruments, and when the STOP card is shown, they freeze.

Behaviour Focus: Learning to follow instructions and self-regulate impulses.

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3. Instrument Turn-Taking Game (10 minutes)

• Distribute instruments, but only give three students an instrument to start with.
• Set a 10-second timer for each turn. When the timer beeps, students must pass the instrument to the next person.
• As they pass, encourage them to say: "Your turn!"
• Praise students who listen and follow instructions by giving them a sticker or a thumbs-up.

Behaviour Focus: Sharing, patience, and turn-taking.

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4. Movement & Cooperation Song - Freeze Dance (5 minutes)

• Play a song like Heads, Shoulders, Knees, and Toes or If You’re Happy and You Know It.
• Introduce a rule: If they bump into a friend while moving, they must pause and say, “Oops, are you okay?” before continuing.
• Stop music randomly, and students must freeze.

Behaviour Focus: Reducing rough play, understanding personal space, and moving safely in a shared space.

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5. Tidying Up Song & Reflecting (5 minutes)

• Make cleaning up fun by turning it into a ‘Beat the Drum’ challenge.
• Play a drum or clap a rhythm while students quickly put away instruments.
• Praise students who tidy up straight away.
• End with 30 seconds of calm breathing with hands on their chests.

Behaviour Focus: Responsibility, respect for shared materials.

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Reflection & Wrap Up:

• Ask: “What was your favourite part of making music today?”
• Reinforce positive behaviour: “I saw great sharing and listening today! Well done!”
• Finish with a quiet goodbye song where each child gets a gentle wave goodbye.

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Teacher Tips:

• Be animated! Young children respond well to expressive facial expressions and gestures.
• Use lots of praise. Reinforce positive behaviour often.
• Keep transitions quick. Moving from one activity to another should be smooth.
• Be patient! Acknowledge small progress in behaviour with enthusiasm.

🟡 Next Steps: Continue reinforcing these teamwork skills by using music as a daily transition tool, e.g., a short “Let’s Line Up” song before moving to other activities.