Your First Hit Single

Lesson Plan • Unit 2, Lesson 6

Duration: 30 Minutes

Grade: 2nd Grade Music

Objective

Students will apply their knowledge of solfege (S, M, L) and the musical staff to compose and notate their own original 4-beat melody.

Key Concepts

Melodic Composition
Music Notation (Staff)
Creative Choice
Peer Feedback

Materials Needed

1
Melody Makers Slides
2
My First Melody Worksheet
3
Pencils & Erasers

Instructional Arc

05'

Warm-up: The Pattern Buffet

Display 4 simple So-Mi-La patterns on the board. Students choose their favorite one to sing as a class. Discuss what makes a melody "catchy" (repetition, skips, high notes).

05'

Brainstorm: Song Feelings

Ask: "What should your hit single be about?" (Happy, sleepy, excited?). Encourage them to think of the contour that matches that feeling (Up for happy, Down for sleepy).

15'

Composition: My First Melody

Distribute the worksheet. Students follow the step-by-step guide to choose 4 notes and draw them on their staff. Teacher circulates to assist with notation (ensuring notes are clearly on a line or in a space).

05'

The Listening Room

Students pair up and "perform" their new melody for their partner by singing or signing it. Partners give one "Glow" (something they liked) and one "Grow" (something to practice).

Assessment & Differentiation

Success Criteria

✓ Melody has exactly 4 notes.
✓ Notes are placed on the staff lines/spaces.
✓ Notes use S, M, or L.
✓ Student can sing their melody accurately.

Differentiation

Support: Provide a "Melody Menu" with 3 pre-written bars; students choose one and add just the last note.
Challenge: Write a 2nd bar (total of 8 notes) and add a title to their song.

Your First Hit Single

Hit Single Lesson Plan

Melody Makers Slides

My First Melody Worksheet

Composer Corner Sharing Activity