Teach children about the history of ragtime music so they understand how music fits into American history. Explain how it developed from other types of music, including the cakewalk, jig band, spiritual, minstrel and plantation songs. Let children know how the development of ragtime was tied to African-American communities. Also stress how ragtime existed in the United States during a time when Americans were dealing with immigration, segregation and big business issues, according to "The New York Times." Tell young people about the major composers and piano players, such as Scott Joplin, who was instrumental in the development of ragtime. Have children do oral reports or papers on ragtime composers and musicians.
Play music from ragtime musicians such as Scott Joplin, Eubie Blake, Joseph Lamb, Tom Turpin, Artie Matthews and Scott Hayden. It would be ideal if you can find reproduced or original recordings of these composers' songs. As you listen to ragtime with young people, explain how the music uses 2/4 or 3/4 meter. If children do not know time signatures, discuss how 2/4- or 3/4-time means that there are two beats or three beats, respectively, in each bar of music. Expose children to ragtime music from various decades and explain which ones are examples of instrumental ragtime songs, waltz-like ragtime tunes or other types of ragtime songs. After listening to ragtime songs, ask children to give you their reactions to the pieces.
Play ragtime music for children or let them play ragtime music, if they know how to play instruments. Instruments found in many ragtime pieces include pianos, clarinets, banjos, trumpets, fiddles and trombones, according to Connexions. Playing music for children will create a more interactive learning environment, especially if you clear the room so they can dance. Children often respond to music more if read and play songs from sheet music, according to PBS Kids Go.