Shhh... ROAR!

Lesson Plan: Loud and Soft Sounds

Dynamics

30 Min

The Goal

Students will be able to identify and demonstrate loud and soft sounds (dynamics) through voice, movement, and instruments.

Vocabulary

F

Forte

Loud (Like a Lion)

P

Piano

Soft (Like a Mouse)

Materials

Loud and Soft Slides
Dynamics Animal Walk Guide
Instrument Sorting Game

Lesson Arc

01

Sound Guessing Warm-up (5m)

Have students close their eyes. Drop a feather (soft) vs. drop a book (loud). Whisper "hello" vs. shout "hello". Ask: "Which one was big? Which one was small?"

02

Introduce Dynamics (5m)

Use Loud and Soft Slides. Introduce the words Piano and Forte. Use hand signals: palms wide for Forte, fingers close for Piano.

03

Movement with Dynamics (8m)

Lead the Dynamics Animal Walk. Students tip-toe like mice during piano music and stomp like elephants during forte music.

04

Instrument Exploration (7m)

Use the Instrument Sorting Game. Show different instruments and discuss: "Can this instrument be soft? Can it be loud?" Practice playing drums softly vs. loudly.

05

Quiet Listening Cool-down (5m)

Play a piece of music that gets gradually softer. Have students slowly curl into a ball until they are completely still and silent.

Success Check

Can the student match their movement to the music's volume? Do they use the terms "Loud" and "Soft" correctly when prompted?

Helper Tip

For students sensitive to noise, provide noise-canceling headphones for the "Loud" sections or allow them to move in a "Soft Only" zone.

The Secret of Loud and Soft Sounds

Loud and Soft Sounds Lesson Plan

Loud and Soft Slides

Dynamics Animal Walk Guide

Instrument Sorting Game