Dance Class #12: The New Girl (12)
#12 in Dance class Series
What’s inside...
A new student, Maya, joins Lucy, Alia, and Julie in Dance Class, but her true passion lies on the basketball court. Maya must navigate her competitive spirit and use her height to excel as a dancer. Meanwhile, Alia faces relationship challenges with her boyfriend Evan, who forgets their anniversary. Amidst personal struggles, the Dance Class students prepare for a production set in the African Savannah. As life's complexities mount, Lucy, Alia, Julie, and their classmates strive to pull off the seemingly impossible. However, the question looms: what if the challenges become too overwhelming and the show can't go on?
Discussion points
How do you think Juliette felt when she first joined the dance class? Have you ever been the new person somewhere?
What does friendship mean to you? How can you be a good friend like the characters in the book?
How do the characters in the story show teamwork? Can you share an example from your own experience where teamwork helped?
Why do you think it's important to practice regularly like the dancers do in the book?
How did the characters handle challenges and setbacks in their dance routines? What can we learn from their persistence?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage open-ended conversations by asking your child how they relate to the characters and situations in the book. Listen actively to your child’s responses without rushing to contribute your own perspective. This not only enhances comprehension but also boosts the child's confidence in expressing their thoughts. Connect the story’s themes to real-life situations your child might encounter, which helps in reinforcing the message of the book. Lastly, celebrate the efforts your child makes in discussing and relating to the book, which strengthens their interest and love for reading.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Change
Explanation: The story revolves around the introduction of a new girl in the dance class, highlighting how the characters adapt to this change.
Real-World Application: Children learn to be open and adaptable to new situations, whether it's a new classmate or moving to a new city.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: The characters work together to integrate the new girl into their dance routines, showcasing the importance of cooperation.
Real-World Application: This lesson underscores the value of working collaboratively in group settings, be it school projects or sports teams.
Example Lesson: Empathy and Inclusion
Explanation: Through their interactions with the new girl, the original members of the dance class demonstrate understanding and inclusivity.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to be empathetic and inclusive with peers who might feel out of place or different.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The new girl faces challenges in adapting to the dance class but perseveres to improve her skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of persisting through difficulties to achieve personal growth and success.