Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Book
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for This Jazz Man. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
In this toe-tapping jazz tribute, the traditional "This Old Man" gets a swinging makeover, and some of the era's best musicians take center stage. The tuneful text and vibrant illustrations bop, slide, and shimmy across the page as Satchmo plays one, Bojangles plays two… right on down the line to Charles Mingus, who plays nine, plucking strings that sound "divine." Easy on the ear and the eye, this playful introduction to nine jazz giants will teach children to count – and will give them every reason to get up and dance!
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
Show the front of the book to the class. Have students predict what this book is about.
Have you ever listened to jazz music?
What kind of music do you like to listen to?
Do you like to make music? What do you use to make music? (Instruments, pots, combs, voice, hands, feet, etc.)
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.
Post Reading Questions:
Where does story take place?
How many musicians are in the story?
What instruments are in the story?
Which instrument did you like the best?
Besides playing instruments what other things did the characters in the story do?
What is the difference between the singer and the conductor?
This book is full of onomatopoeia. Onomatopoeia is defined as: the naming of a thing or action by a vocal imitation of the sound associated with it (as buzz, hiss.) Can name examples of onomatopoeia in this story?