Louis Armstrong Discussion Prompts and Pause Points

Before the Movie:

Describe what jazz music sounds like. What instruments might be in a jazz band? ? (Tap prior knowledge)

If you know jazz music, what do you like or dislike about it? (Share opinion)

During the Movie (Pause Points):

Stop at the following times in the movie and ask questions or prompt a discussion to keep students focused and to assess their understanding before moving on:

Timecode 1:04: How would you describe Armstrong’s childhood? (Summarize)

Timecode 2:34: In what ways did Armstrong change jazz? (Identify cause/effect)

Timecode 3:16: What about Armstrong’s character made him so lovable?  (Identify character traits)

After the Movie:

Look at the four related movies at the bottom of the page. Explain how each is connected to the Louis Armstrong topic. (Make connections)

How did learning to play the cornet as a child affect the course of Armstrong’s life?  (Identify cause/effect) 

BrainPOP recommends reading the movie description that appears on the Louis Armstrong Topic Page to your class or have students read independently. Then have them watch the movie once through without pausing. Then, watch it again as class, this time using the discussion prompts.

*BrainPOP’s Discussion Questions and Prompts align to CCSS Speaking and Listening Standards.