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43 Activities

Jazz at Lincoln Center

Jazz at Lincoln Center is an organization with a mission to entertain, enrich, and expand a global community for jazz through performance, education, and advocacy.

Discover a one-of-a-kind, youth-tested and approved curriculum filled with interdisciplinary learning experiences that meld music and arts with literacy, STEM, and social studies. The collection series begins with "I'm Beginning to See the Light," which ignites youth creativity and voice as youth learn about the roots and history of jazz. The second collection, "Fascinating Rhythm," equips youth to explore sounds and patterns, and express the rhythms of their own lives. The grand finale of the series, “The Big Easy,” brings youth into the creative process, inviting them to explore the emotions of storytelling and learn about how places and experiences help inspire their own unique art forms. For the most impactful learning, we recommend following the scaffolded collections in order.

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Activities

Generational Angst

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Generational Angst

3 - 8

2 Hours

Using the same set of questions, students explore reactions to different musical genres. Students use the responses to uncover similarities with peers and older generations through two comparison diagrams.

Discover Activity

A Musical Comic Book

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

A Musical Comic Book

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a comic story using a Comic Book Key Code. They develop an understanding of pattern and symbols, which are two key elements of writing jazz music.

Discover Activity

Rhythm and Language

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Rhythm and Language

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students play with sounds to determine their ability to invoke imagery. They then create a soundscape poem using onomatopoeia.

Discover Activity

Strut Like an Animal

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Strut Like an Animal

3 - 8

2 Hours

This activity introduces the concept of musical notation through animal footprints. Using cut-out animal footprints, students practice walking through musical bars to replicate how musicians play through them.

Discover Activity

Weather Patterns

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Weather Patterns

3 - 8

3 Hours

Students learn how sound differs in various areas of the world and how climate and weather have impacted the development of those sounds.

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The Big Easy: Day 11 Lesson

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Big Easy: Day 11 Lesson

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 11 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Immerse students in the rich history of the Mardi Gras Indians as they discover the unique history of such a storied American group of people. Students apply their learning by replicating the practice of the Mardi Gras Indians, designing clothing to honor a mentor or supporter.

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The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

Arts in Action, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Space and Time

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students read a comic about the Swings, grandparents who are planning a family party. Students read and act out the comic story to understand the feel of swing and its offspring.

Discover Activity

Catch that Firefly

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Catch that Firefly

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students identify the 3/2 Clave Rhythm through a story. They then apply their own rhythm to an everyday act, such as washing dishes or doing laundry.

Discover Activity

Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn the story behind Bossa Nova through a comic story. They then work with a partner to combine their two favorite songs into a new sound.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Generational Angst

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Generational Angst

3 - 8

2 Hours

Using the same set of questions, students explore reactions to different musical genres. Students use the responses to uncover similarities with peers and older generations through two comparison diagrams.

Discover Activity

A Musical Comic Book

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

A Musical Comic Book

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students create a comic story using a Comic Book Key Code. They develop an understanding of pattern and symbols, which are two key elements of writing jazz music.

Discover Activity

Rhythm and Language

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Rhythm and Language

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students play with sounds to determine their ability to invoke imagery. They then create a soundscape poem using onomatopoeia.

Discover Activity

Strut Like an Animal

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Strut Like an Animal

3 - 8

2 Hours

This activity introduces the concept of musical notation through animal footprints. Using cut-out animal footprints, students practice walking through musical bars to replicate how musicians play through them.

Discover Activity

Weather Patterns

Arts in Action, Digital Voices

Weather Patterns

3 - 8

3 Hours

Students learn how sound differs in various areas of the world and how climate and weather have impacted the development of those sounds.

Discover Activity

The Big Easy: Day 11 Lesson

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

The Big Easy: Day 11 Lesson

3 - 8

1 Hour

Welcome to Lesson 11 of Jazz at Lincoln Center's module, "The Big Easy"! Immerse students in the rich history of the Mardi Gras Indians as they discover the unique history of such a storied American group of people. Students apply their learning by replicating the practice of the Mardi Gras Indians, designing clothing to honor a mentor or supporter.

Discover Activity

The Bees Knees

Leadership and Teamwork, Arts in Action

The Bees Knees

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn four basic Charleston steps through an instructional video. Then as a group, students add their own twist on this classic dance.

Discover Activity

Space and Time

Arts in Action, STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore

Space and Time

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students practice moving through a subdivided space, a space which simultaneously represents fractions and musical notes. This practice allows students to witness firsthand both equivalent fractions and rhythm. Students then create their own unique rhythmic patterns.

Discover Activity

The Swings

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

The Swings

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students read a comic about the Swings, grandparents who are planning a family party. Students read and act out the comic story to understand the feel of swing and its offspring.

Discover Activity

Catch that Firefly

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Catch that Firefly

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students identify the 3/2 Clave Rhythm through a story. They then apply their own rhythm to an everyday act, such as washing dishes or doing laundry.

Discover Activity

Traveling from Brazil

Arts in Action, Stories and Perspectives

Traveling from Brazil

3 - 8

1 Hour

Students learn the story behind Bossa Nova through a comic story. They then work with a partner to combine their two favorite songs into a new sound.

Discover Activity

Jamming with Musicians

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

Jamming with Musicians

3 - 8

1 Hour

This lesson provides a structure and framework for a visit with a local jazz musician.

Discover Activity

Featured in These Collections

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

25 Activities

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

K - 12

20 Hours 35 Minutes

With winter afoot, during a school year like no other, are you looking for fun, healthy and restorative activities you can share with children and youth?

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December offers just that.

From “Action Packed ABC” for younger children and “Dance, Dance, Dance” for middle school kids, to “Mindfulness” for teens, this weekday December calendar shares art, music, yoga, social emotional learning, and indoor and outdoor projects and games to help kids feel better.

Discover Collection

The Big Easy

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

15 Activities

The Big Easy

3 - 8

20 Hours

Step into the vibrant world of Jazz at Lincoln Center's "The Big Easy" module, where students embark on an exhilarating journey of creativity and discovery. Jazz at Lincoln Center has made identifying and decoding symbols in art a fun and easy process. Throughout the module, students learn to "read" a provided comic book by researching the history of New Orleans and learning the tools artists use to symbolize their experiences, emotions, etc., in their work. Students studying the fundamentals of music, dance, and illustration, throughut this immersive experience, unleash their imagination, celebrate diversity, and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.

Discover Collection

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

16 Activities

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

K - 12

2 Hours

Join Mizzen and our partner organization for summer learning! This playlist for all ages is a highlight reel of activities from Mizzen's Summer Sizzle features. Continue your summer learning with !Mpact Players, Jazz at Lincoln Center, National Wildlife Federation, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, reDiscover Center, and Mizzen with the list of activities below.

Discover Collection

Jazz, Blues, and Music For 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

17 Activities

Jazz, Blues, and Music For 3rd-5th Grade at Home

3 - 5

23 Hours 45 Minutes

This Playlist prompts younger children to learn and perform music and dances at home.

Discover Collection

I'm Beginning to See the Light

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

14 Activities

I'm Beginning to See the Light

3 - 8

14 Hours

The JALC-AC's first module, Module 1: I'm Beginning to See the Light, ignites the creativity and voice of youth as they learn the essential elements of jazz- all while engaging with science, social studies, math, physical education, art, and social-emotional learning concepts and skills.

Discover Collection

Fascinating Rhythm

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

15 Activities

Fascinating Rhythm

3 - 8

10 Hours

The JALC-AC’s second module, Module 2: Fascinating Rhythm encourages students to explore the rhythms, or patterns of their lives. Students learn how to represent rhythmic patterns through symbols – both random and those used by musicians and musical educators – arranging and rearranging the symbols to create sound and movement.

Discover Collection

Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning with Johnny Crowder

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

12 Activities

Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning with Johnny Crowder

K - 12

Like learning algebra or how to ride a bike, social and emotional learning (SEL) calls for patience, compassion, and everyday practice. That’s what brain science and experience say, and it’s at the core of this playlist. Through activities that teach mindfulness meditation, how to identify your strengths and talents, and cultivating compassion through service, you’ll find practical experiences, resources, and tips for empowering youth while helping them navigate stress and build healthy relationships.

“I often wonder how much different my life would look if I was offered support earlier. Before I was struggling, before I withdrew, before I exhibited all sorts of behavioral health issues. The power of prevention is something we can’t waste. We need to use our own hindsight into what would have helped us when we were young to set this next generation up for the success we never had.” — Johnny Crowder

Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to youth and adults in nearly 100 countries around the world.

Discover Collection

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

Belonging and Community, Whole Body, Whole Self

25 Activities

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December

K - 12

20 Hours 35 Minutes

With winter afoot, during a school year like no other, are you looking for fun, healthy and restorative activities you can share with children and youth?

23 Days of Fun, Healthy and Creative Activities for December offers just that.

From “Action Packed ABC” for younger children and “Dance, Dance, Dance” for middle school kids, to “Mindfulness” for teens, this weekday December calendar shares art, music, yoga, social emotional learning, and indoor and outdoor projects and games to help kids feel better.

Discover Collection

The Big Easy

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

15 Activities

The Big Easy

3 - 8

20 Hours

Step into the vibrant world of Jazz at Lincoln Center's "The Big Easy" module, where students embark on an exhilarating journey of creativity and discovery. Jazz at Lincoln Center has made identifying and decoding symbols in art a fun and easy process. Throughout the module, students learn to "read" a provided comic book by researching the history of New Orleans and learning the tools artists use to symbolize their experiences, emotions, etc., in their work. Students studying the fundamentals of music, dance, and illustration, throughut this immersive experience, unleash their imagination, celebrate diversity, and ignite their passion for lifelong learning.

Discover Collection

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

16 Activities

Mizzen Summer Sizzle

K - 12

2 Hours

Join Mizzen and our partner organization for summer learning! This playlist for all ages is a highlight reel of activities from Mizzen's Summer Sizzle features. Continue your summer learning with !Mpact Players, Jazz at Lincoln Center, National Wildlife Federation, PBS NewsHour Student Reporting Labs, reDiscover Center, and Mizzen with the list of activities below.

Discover Collection

Jazz, Blues, and Music For 3rd-5th Grade at Home

Stories and Perspectives, Arts in Action

17 Activities

Jazz, Blues, and Music For 3rd-5th Grade at Home

3 - 5

23 Hours 45 Minutes

This Playlist prompts younger children to learn and perform music and dances at home.

Discover Collection

I'm Beginning to See the Light

STEM Lab: Build, Tinker, Explore, Arts in Action

14 Activities

I'm Beginning to See the Light

3 - 8

14 Hours

The JALC-AC's first module, Module 1: I'm Beginning to See the Light, ignites the creativity and voice of youth as they learn the essential elements of jazz- all while engaging with science, social studies, math, physical education, art, and social-emotional learning concepts and skills.

Discover Collection

Fascinating Rhythm

Digital Voices, Arts in Action

15 Activities

Fascinating Rhythm

3 - 8

10 Hours

The JALC-AC’s second module, Module 2: Fascinating Rhythm encourages students to explore the rhythms, or patterns of their lives. Students learn how to represent rhythmic patterns through symbols – both random and those used by musicians and musical educators – arranging and rearranging the symbols to create sound and movement.

Discover Collection

Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning with Johnny Crowder

Whole Body, Whole Self, Belonging and Community

12 Activities

Strengthen Social and Emotional Learning with Johnny Crowder

K - 12

Like learning algebra or how to ride a bike, social and emotional learning (SEL) calls for patience, compassion, and everyday practice. That’s what brain science and experience say, and it’s at the core of this playlist. Through activities that teach mindfulness meditation, how to identify your strengths and talents, and cultivating compassion through service, you’ll find practical experiences, resources, and tips for empowering youth while helping them navigate stress and build healthy relationships.

“I often wonder how much different my life would look if I was offered support earlier. Before I was struggling, before I withdrew, before I exhibited all sorts of behavioral health issues. The power of prevention is something we can’t waste. We need to use our own hindsight into what would have helped us when we were young to set this next generation up for the success we never had.” — Johnny Crowder

Johnny Crowder is a suicide/abuse survivor, TEDx speaker, touring musician, Certified Peer Recovery Specialist, and the Founder & CEO of Cope Notes, a text-based mental health platform that provides daily support to youth and adults in nearly 100 countries around the world.

Discover Collection

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