Ballet Bunnies: The New Class
Ballet Bunnies Series
What’s inside...
The book follows the adventures of a young aspiring ballet dancer named Millie who faces challenges as she starts learning ballet and meets a special group of bunnies that dance ballet. In 'The New Class,' new students are introduced to the ballet class, and Millie encounters difficulties with her peers and the dance itself. Just when Millie considers giving up, she discovers the ballet bunnies who secretly live in the ballet school and join the classes. With the help of the ballet bunnies, Millie navigates the difficulties, learns new skills, and forms new friendships.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
6-8
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Millie
Lulu
Trixie
Pod
Fifi
Miss Luisa
Discussion points
How did Millie feel on her first day at ballet class and why do you think she felt that way?
What are some ways Millie's new friends helped her during class?
If you were a character in the book, which bunny would you want to be friends with and why?
How do you think practicing helped the bunnies improve at ballet?
What would you do if you were nervous like Millie on your first day of a new activity?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading techniques, changing your voice for different characters to make the story come alive.
After reading, ask your child to recount the story in their own words to enhance comprehension and recall.
Relate the story to your child’s personal experiences, such as starting a new class or trying something new, to deepen their connection to the narrative.
Discuss the importance of teamwork and friendship as showcased in the book, and encourage your child to share personal experiences related to these themes.
Encourage your child to imagine and discuss what could happen next if the story continued, fostering creativity and prediction skills.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Friendship
Explanation: The story portrays the main character, Betty, as she navigates her first ballet class and learns to make friends with the Ballet Bunnies. Through their interactions, the narrative teaches children about understanding and caring for others' feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to be considerate of their classmates' emotions, fostering a supportive and friendly environment at school or in extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Perseverance and Practice
Explanation: Betty experiences challenges in learning ballet moves but continues to practice diligently with the help of her bunny friends. This theme encourages persistence in face of difficulties.
Real-World Application: Kids are inspired to keep trying and practicing whether they're learning a new sport, academic subject, or hobby, reinforcing that effort leads to improvement.
Example Lesson: Courage and Trying New Things
Explanation: Attending a new class and meeting new friends can be daunting as illustrated by Betty’s initial nervousness. The story highlights her bravery in stepping out of her comfort zone.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children feel braver about trying new activities or joining new groups, understanding that it's okay to feel nervous and that courage can lead to rewarding experiences.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: As Betty learns to dance, she does so in a group setting which requires coordinating with others. This teaches the importance of working together harmoniously.
Real-World Application: Children understand the value of teamwork and can apply this in group projects, team sports, or collaborative arts like dance and theater.