Fun and Engaging Ways to Teach Jazz in the Elementary Music Classroom

Bringing Jazz into the Elementary Music Classroom – Fun and Engaging Lesson Ideas

April is Jazz Appreciation Month, making it the perfect time to introduce elementary students to the joy, rhythm, and storytelling of jazz music.

Jazz is an expressive and energetic genre that encourages creativity, movement, and listening skills.

For many young learners, jazz may be unfamiliar, but with the right activities, it can become an exciting part of their music education.

Whether you're a seasoned music teacher or just beginning to explore jazz in your classroom, these fun, easy-to-implement lesson ideas will help students engage with jazz in a meaningful way.

1. Start with a Jazz Playlist 

Why It Works:

Listening is the first step to appreciating jazz! Young learners can absorb the rhythm, instruments, and feeling of jazz simply by hearing different styles.

Elementary-Friendly Jazz Playlist:

• Herbie Hancock - "Watermelon Man" (fun groove, easy to move to)

• Fats Waller - "Ain't Misbehavin'" (lighthearted, old-timey swing)

• Cab Calloway - "Minnie the Moocher" (call-and-response element)

• Louis Armstrong - "When the Saints Go Marching In" (fun, recognizable New Orleans jazz)

Engaging Activities: Active Listening & Movement

• Instrument Exploration: Ask students, "Do you hear a trumpet? A saxophone? A piano?"

• Mood and Imagination: Have students draw a picture of what the music makes them think about.

• Clap & Move: Clap along to the beat, tap feet, or have students sway to the rhythm.
  
  

Helpful Resources

M.T.R. offers easy-to-use Meet the Musician and Their Music Foldables, which are excellent for younger students. These resources provide an engaging way for students to explore jazz musicians and their music. Click on the images below for more information!

2. Jazz and Improvisation Game 

Why It Works:

Improvisation is a key element of jazz. Introducing simple improv games allows students to experiment and gain confidence in music-making.

Try This in Your Classroom:

• Call-and-Response: Clap or play a simple rhythm and have students echo it back with a slight variation.

• One-Note Improv: Let students choose one note to play on a xylophone or classroom instrument, experimenting with different rhythms.

• Group Jam: Assign small groups a simple rhythm pattern to layer together, mimicking a jazz band.

Take It a Step Further:

• Jazz Freeze Dance: Play jazz music and let students dance freely. When the music stops, they freeze in place!
  
  

3. Meet the Jazz Legends 

Why It Works:

Learning about jazz musicians helps students connect the music with real people and history.

Try This in Your Classroom:

• Introduce Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, and Duke Ellington with short, fun facts.

• Show pictures and let students guess what instruments they played.

• Play a short clip of their music and ask, "What do you notice about their sound?"

Engaging Activities: Jazz Art Corner

• Have students draw or color a portrait of a jazz musician while listening to their music.

• Create a "Jazz Hall of Fame" wall in your classroom with student artwork!

4. Scat Singing Challenge 

Why It Works:

Scat singing is a fun, playful way to introduce jazz phrasing, rhythm, and improvisation.

Try This in Your Classroom:

• Teach students simple scat syllables (e.g., "op-ba-da," "hoo-bee-doo".

• Play examples of Ella Fitzgerald and Cab Calloway scat singing.

• Lead a call-and-response scat game, where you sing a phrase, and students echo it.

• Let students try creating their own silly scat phrases!

Take It a Step Further:

• Scat Battle: In small groups, students take turns scatting short phrases, building confidence in vocal improvisation.
  
  

5. Jazz Storytelling with Music 

Why It Works:

Jazz music often tells a story without words, making it perfect for sparking imagination.

Try This in Your Classroom:

• Play a jazz instrumental piece (e.g., Take Five by Dave Brubeck or St. Thomas by Sonny Rollins).

• Ask students to close their eyes and imagine a story as they listen.

• Guide them with questions:

  • "What kind of adventure does this music take us on?"

  • "What characters or animals might be in the story?"

• Have students draw a picture or write a short story inspired by the music.

Take It a Step Further:

• Have students act out their jazz stories while the music plays!
  
  

Final Thoughts

Bringing jazz into the elementary classroom is a wonderful way to introduce students to creativity, improvisation, and musical history. Through listening, movement, storytelling, and singing, young learners can develop a love for jazz that lasts a lifetime.

Try these ideas and bring the energy of jazz into your classroom this Jazz Appreciation Month! 

What's your favorite way to introduce jazz to young students? Share in the comments!

Looking for more time-saving, engaging resources?

Check out MTR’s collection of music teaching materials - SHOP the MTR Store or our store on TpT.

Would you like more music teaching strategies? Check out these related posts to keep your lessons fresh and interactive! 

Blog Post: Teaching Rhythm in Music

Blog Post: 5 Call-and-Response Activities To Keep Your Music Class Engaged

Blog Post: Benefits of Body Percussion Activities

Blog Post: Teaching Music Notation: Fun and Effective Strategies

Blog Post: Giant Staff Jumping Game: Easy Adaptations for Every Grade Level      

Blog Post: How to Train Young Singers: 7 Must-Know Vocal Tips

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