Grade Level: PreK-5th
Duration: 20-30 minutes
Subject: Music, Jazz Culture

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Lesson Overview

This lesson uses the familiar melody of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” to introduce students to jazz rhythms and cultural expression. Through clapping, singing, and improvisation, students will explore how jazz transforms music into something vibrant and new.

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Learning Objectives

By the end of this lesson, students will:

1. Understand how jazz reinterprets familiar melodies with rhythm and swing.

2. Practice clapping and singing to a jazzed-up version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.”

3. Explore improvisation as a key element of jazz music.

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Materials Needed

• Recording or demonstration of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” in a jazz style.

• Percussion instruments or use of body percussion (clapping, stomping).

• Optional: Visual aids or videos of jazz performances.

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Lesson Steps

Introduction to Jazz and Swing (5 minutes)

• Start by singing the original version of “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with the class.

• Explain how jazz changes familiar songs:

  • Jazz adds swing rhythms, syncopation, and improvisation to make music feel lively and unique.

• Share an example of how the beat shifts from a traditional style (beats 1 and 3) to a swing style (beats 2 and 4).

  • Clap along to demonstrate the difference:

    • Traditional: Clap on beats 1 and 3.

    • Swing: Clap on beats 2 and 4.

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Transform 'Twinkle Twinkle' with a Jazz Twist (10 minutes)

• Lead the students in singing “Twinkle Twinkle Little Star” with a jazz rhythm:

  • Emphasize the swing feel by snapping or clapping on beats 2 and 4.

  • Demonstrate adding syncopation by altering the rhythm slightly.

• Practice as a group, encouraging students to feel the groove of the swing beat.

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Improvisation Activity (10 minutes)

• Explain that improvisation in jazz means making up music as you go, using the melody as a starting point.

• Encourage students to add their own flair to the song:

  • Sing a variation of the melody.

  • Clap or stomp a rhythm they create.

  • Play an improvised beat on percussion instruments.

• Take turns letting students lead an improvised version of the song while the group follows.

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Group Reflection and Cool Down (5 minutes)

• Ask students:

  • How did it feel to change the rhythm and melody of a song you already knew?

  • Why do you think improvisation is so important in jazz?

• Discuss how jazz transforms music into something exciting and new by combining structure with freedom.

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Extension Activities

• Music Exploration: Listen to jazz versions of other familiar songs and compare them to the originals.

• Art Connection: Have students draw what they imagine while listening to the jazzed-up version of “Twinkle Twinkle.”

• Movement Activity: Pair the jazzed-up version of the song with freestyle dancing or movement.

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Reflection Questions

• What did you enjoy most about transforming “Twinkle Twinkle”?

• How does swing rhythm make the song feel different from the original?

• Can you think of another song you’d like to give a jazz twist?

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Teacher/Parent Tips

• Reinforce the swing rhythm by modeling claps or snaps on beats 2 and 4.

• Encourage all students to participate, even if their improvisations are simple.

• Highlight that there’s no wrong way to improvise in jazz—it’s all about creativity and expression.