I'd also encourage you to listen to the Blues "greats" as a class. Robert Johnson, Muddy Waters, John Lee Hooker, B.B. King, Stevie Ray Vaughan, and Eric Clapton are just the beginning of list of some great Blues singer/guitarists. Learn some songs in the keys of A and E to start, and then, branch off into other keys. In teaching the real songs you'll get students singing, and you'll pick up some classic solo licks and accompaniment styles. You'll also hear variations, such as blues that are longer or shorter than 12 bars, minor blues, and numerous variations in accompaniment styles and feels. Playing the form doesn't really mean anything without an actual song to play anyway.
Then, have the class write their own blues. Start with, "I woke up this morning, [insert lamentation here]". Repeat the first line, and close it out with a one-line "hook" statement which rhymes with the first line. This is just one simple example. You could have students do this individually as a project after you've done it with the whole class. One of these class creations could easily be performed at a final concert with kids soloing between verses. I promise it'll bring the house down, and Johnny's parents will be blown away that he can play an improvised guitar solo.
In closing out this conversation on the Blues, I'll throw in this bit of fun. Follow this link to "How to Play and Sing the Blues". It's is a great read. Among other things it has the "Create Your Own Blues Name Starter Kit". Have fun with this stuff!
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