Lesson Plan - History Makers: Louis Armstrong

Watch a Slideshow

Watch the slideshow “The Amazing Life of Louis Armstrong.” Ask: Why do you think Armstrong is considered one of the most influential musicians in history?

Preview Words to Know

Project the online vocabulary slideshow and introduce the Words to Know.

• improvise
• influential

Set a Purpose for Reading

As students read, have them think about the challenges that Armstrong faced.

1. What evidence does the article give to show that Armstrong “had a tough life from the start”?
To show that Armstrong had a tough early life, the author writes that Armstrong lived in a dangerous neighborhood and was very poor. She also writes, “To help support his family, Armstrong took jobs selling newspapers and collecting junk. He left school in the fifth grade.”
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2. In the article, Ricky Riccardi states that “the seeds were planted that music might be [Armstrong’s] way out.” What does Riccardi mean? 
Riccardi means that Armstrong began to see that his musical talent might someday help him escape his tough situation. It could help him afford a better life.
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3. What is the purpose of the sidebar, “Making Music”? 
The purpose of the sidebar is to show some important moments that helped Armstrong launch his musical career. Those include blowing his first tin horn, buying a cornet, leading a band at a home for boys, and playing with the most popular band in New Orleans.
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Featured Skill: Text Evidence

Use the skill builder “All About Louis Armstrong” to have students complete a profile of the inventors, using details from the article. 

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