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Session 14: Sound & Music

Overview

Grade: Kindergarten | Duration: 25 minutes | Session: 14 of 17

Students explore how sound is made, creating simple instruments and using music to praise God.

Session 14: Sound & Music

Learning Objectives

By the end of this session, students will:

  • Understand that sound is made by vibrations

  • Create a simple musical instrument

  • Compare loud/soft and high/low sounds

  • Use music to praise God

Materials Needed

  • 📦 Instrument-making supplies:
  • Rubber bands + small boxes (guitars)
  • Rice/beans + plastic containers (shakers)

  • Paper towel tubes + wax paper + rubber bands (kazoos)

  • 🎵 Simple instruments (if available): tambourine, triangle, bells

  • 🖍️ Wonder Journals and crayons

Catholic Integration

Saint Connection

St. Cecilia — Patron saint of music! She sang to God in her heart and is remembered as a beautiful musician.

Scripture

"Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all the earth." — Psalm 100:1

Opening Prayer

Dear God, thank you for the gift of sound and music. Help us use our voices and instruments to praise you. Like St. Cecilia, may we always sing to you in our hearts. Amen.

Lesson Procedure

Opening Circle (4 minutes)

  1. Sound Game — Close eyes, identify sounds teacher makes
  2. What is Sound? — "Sound happens when things VIBRATE (shake very fast)"
  3. Demonstration — Pluck rubber band, see/feel vibration
  4. St. Cecilia — "She used music to praise God!"
  5. Today's Project — "We're making instruments!"

Main Activity: Making Music (15 minutes)

Part 1: Sound Exploration (3 minutes)

  • Touch throat while humming — feel vibration!

  • Pluck rubber bands stretched over box

  • Shake rice in a container

  • "What do you notice?"

Part 2: Make an Instrument (9 minutes)

  • Option A: Shaker
  • Put rice/beans in container
  • Seal tightly

  • Decorate outside

  • Option B: Rubber Band Guitar

  • Stretch rubber bands around box
  • Pluck to make sounds

  • Try different sized bands

  • Option C: Kazoo (with help)

  • Cover one end of tube with wax paper
  • Secure with rubber band
  • Hum into open end

Part 3: Joyful Band (3 minutes)

  • All students play instruments together

  • Sing a simple song (Jesus Loves Me, praise song)

  • Practice loud/soft, fast/slow

Wonder Journal (3 minutes)

  1. Draw your instrument
  2. Add music notes! 🎵

Closing Circle (3 minutes)

  1. Sound Discovery — "What did you learn about sound?"
  2. Praising God — "How can we use music for God?"
  3. Closing Song — Sing together while playing instruments
  4. Closing Prayer — "Thank you, God, for music and sound. May our songs always praise you! Amen."

Assessment

Observation Checklist:

  • Understood that sound comes from vibrations

  • Created a working instrument

  • Participated in group music making

  • Connected music to praising God

Differentiation

For Students Who Need Support

  • Pre-made shaker ready to decorate

  • Focus on one instrument type

  • Pair with buddy for construction

For Advanced Students

  • Make multiple instruments

  • Experiment with high/low sounds

  • Create a pattern or rhythm

Wonder at Home 🏠

Family Activity: Make instruments at home! Fill containers with different materials—what sounds different? Pots and wooden spoons make great drums. Have a family praise concert!

Teacher Notes

  • Great connection to music class

  • Prepare some instruments in advance for backup

  • Consider keeping instruments for future sessions

  • Connect to "Digital Arts" by showing simple music apps

Previous: Session 13 — Easter New Life
Next: Session 15 — Helping Others