Classic Starts®: Ballet Stories (Classic Starts® Series)
Classic starts Series
What’s inside...
This lovely collection will make little ballerinas dance for joy! Inside, they’ll find eight of the most beautiful ballet stories, including 'Swan Lake', 'Coppélia', 'The Firebird', and of course, that perennial favourite, 'The Nutcracker'. It’s the perfect way to prepare a child for seeing a performance - or to keep the magic going afterwards.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
160 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel when reading about the different ballet stories?
Which ballet story was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters in the stories felt during their biggest challenges?
What lessons can we learn from the struggles and successes of these characters?
If you could create your own ballet story, what would it be about and which characters would it involve?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts and feelings about each story. Use parallels from the stories to relate to their daily experiences, enhancing empathy and understanding. Discuss the character's motivations and choices to foster critical thinking. Encourage creative thinking by asking your child to imagine alternative endings or additional adventures for the characters. Celebrate the rich world of ballet and its ability to tell powerful stories through dance and movement, perhaps even attending a ballet performance together for deeper connection to the art form.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Discipline and Dedication
Explanation: The characters in 'Classic Starts®: Ballet Stories' consistently show commitment to mastering ballet, practicing regularly and showing dedication to their craft.
Real-World Application: Children can learn the importance of regular practice and staying dedicated to their own activities, whether it's sports, music, or academics, to achieve their goals.
Example Lesson: Resilience in the Face of Challenges
Explanation: The stories demonstrate characters facing and overcoming various challenges, emphasizing the value of perseverance.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to stay resilient and persistent when facing difficulties in school or during extracurricular activities.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: Many stories in the collection deal with characters who come from different backgrounds or have different abilities, promoting an understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this understanding by showing empathy towards peers who may be different from them, fostering a more inclusive environment in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Ballet is often a group activity in these stories, where cooperation with others is crucial for a successful performance.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to work cooperatively in team settings, be it during group projects at school or while playing team sports.
Example Lesson: Appreciation of the Arts
Explanation: The book exposes readers to the world of ballet, cultivating an appreciation for this art form and perhaps sparking interest in other cultural activities.
Real-World Application: Children may be inspired to explore and participate in various forms of artistic expression, whether attending performances, taking art classes, or learning a musical instrument.