jazz activities for elementary music

5 Easy and Fun Jazz Activities for Elementary Music Class

If you are looking for ways to incorporate jazz activities into your elementary music lessons, then you are in the right place! I have tried a variety of different songs and activities in my classroom over the years and am excited to share my successes with you. These are my top five easy and fun jazz activities for elementary music class, ready for you to pop into your lessons tomorrow! Whether you are looking for elementary music lessons for black history month, jazz appreciation month activities for elementary music, or just want to add more variety to your musical repertoire throughout the year, these tried and true activities won’t let you down.

Get started with this freebie! A jazz rhythm play along and a listening map to Duke Ellington’s It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing.

It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Listening Map freebie

What Kind of Jazz Activities Can I Do in Music Class?

Listening

I always like to start off by exposing students to a new piece and just having them soak it in and listen to it. Then we can start to dissect it and label it and move to it. But first we need to just soak it in. Listening maps are a great way to introduce a new piece to students.

Movement

There are tons of great jazz movement activities out there. From bean bag passing games to “Take Five” to rhythm reading and movement to “Memphis Stomp,” I have been exposed to many awesome jazz movement activities throughout the years. Jazz is just one of those genres that makes you want to move!

Recorders

I have used simple jazz melodies as a jumping off point for improvisation on recorder. It is also a great genre for simple call and response patterns.

Books

There are SO MANY great jazz books out there. From Ella Fitzgerald to Duke Ellington to the Jazz Fly series, you just can’t go wrong.

Improv

As I mentioned, I have used jazz to introduce improvisation on the recorder, but you can start with the young ones too. You can do rhythmic improv or improvise on orff instruments as well. Or get really fancy and improv with your voice!

My Top Five Fun and Easy Jazz Activities for Elementary

Duke Ellington Rhythm Play Along

It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t Got That Swing is a great jazz classic. This version from The Essential Duke Ellington album featured the scat stylings of Ella Fitzgerald, which just adds to the jazz all-star line up on this song.

In the rhythm play-along lesson that I created, I have students start by listening to the piece using a listening map.

It Don't Mean a Thing If It Ain't Got That Swing Listening Map
This is a favorite jazz rhythm play along!

We learn about Duke Ellington and Ella Fitzgerald. We watch a BrainPop video to learn about how jazz music fit in with the Harlem Renaissance movement. Then we practice reading/clapping rhythms along with the piece. Finally, we add drum pads and sticks and drum along with the piece.

What A Wonderful World Listening Glyph

Louis Armstrong is a name synonymous with jazz music. He has plenty of great up-tempo numbers such as When the Saints Go Marching In, but sometimes it’s nice to do a slow piece. And Louis Armstrong is probably best known for his iconic version of What a Wonderful World.

I love using this beautifully illustrated book to help introduce the song. Then we listen to the song a couple of times and color in this What a Wonderful World Listening Glyph. This is such a mellow and relaxing lesson. It’s great for when you need a break from the go go go of everyday teaching or even to throw in with a sub plan. And through the listening glyph you are teaching music vocabulary, so its content rich too!

What a Wonderful World Listening Glyph worksheet
This What a Wonderful World listening glyph is a great jazz activity for elementary.

I Got a Letter This Morning

Okay. This song is not technically a jazz piece, but I do use it to work on improvisation so I’m counting it! I like to do this song around Valentine’s Day. I start by “reading” Valentine’s (aka made up rhythm patterns). While holding a Valentine card, I expressively chant a rhythm (sometimes funny, sometimes enthusiastic, sometimes sweet – like different types of Valentine messages). Students echo each rhythm. This builds up a vocabulary of possible rhythm choices for our next step.

Next, I will chant “What Does Your Rhythm Say.”

musical notation prompt for teaching improvisation
This prompt is a great way to start jazz improvisation with young students.

Students clap back their own Valentine rhythm. We start as a whole class just so they can practice creation in an uninhibited environment. Then I take volunteers to share their rhythm. Finally, we will add drums and students will get a chance to improvise their rhythm pattern on a drum in between the song.

Jazz Fly

If you have never heard of The Jazz Fly books, or Matthew Gollub in general, let me introduce you. As I write this I believe that there are three books in the Jazz Fly series, but the original is the one that I own and know (I’m adding the second one this year!).

This cute book is a great way to introduce the concept of improvisation as well as the instruments found in a jazz quartet. This is a great first exposure to jazz music for your younger students and the book comes with a CD so it is great for a vocal break, or to leave with a sub for sub plans.

Learn About Jazz Great Carlie Parker with Charlie Parker Played Bebop

Another great book – Charlie Parker Played Bebop – is fun for beginner recorders. I discovered a song to go along with the book on YouTube. Then I created a simple lesson to go along with the video, with different levels, depending on the needs of your students. It starts with just playing one note and expands into simple improvisation.

String of Pearls – A Jazz Classic by Glenn Miller

There is something so nostalgic about a classic swing tune like String of Pearls by the Glenn Miller Orchestra. I use this jazz tune with my first and second grade students.

We listen to the song, then add a fun beanbag passing activity. You can learn all about it here in my YouTube tutorial.

Jazz and beanbags, all in one fun activity!

Other Great Elementary Music Activities Related to Jazz

Black History Month: Calypso Freedom Freedom Riders Song

Teaching Scott Joplin – 3 Elementary Music Activities Your Students Will Love

Ready to Go Jazz Lesson for Elementary Music

If you’d like a FREE quick, ready-to-go jazz lesson, you can enter your info here to receive my rhythm play along and listening map to It Don’t Mean a Thing If It Ain’t’ Got That Swing.

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Hi, I'm Erin!

I am an elementary music teacher, blogger and mom on a mission to make teaching and lesson planning easier for you. When I’m not working, you can find me at home enjoying life with my husband, daughter and two cats.

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