Dance Is For Everyone
on Goodreads (344)
What’s inside...
In this delightful story, an alligator joins a ballet class and quickly becomes an integral part of the dance troupe. Despite initial challenges, the alligator's presence teaches the class and the readers about acceptance, diversity, and the joy of dance. As the class works together to adapt their performance to include their new member, they demonstrate teamwork and adaptability, culminating in an empowering finale that shows how everyone has a place in the arts.
Discussion points
What do you think the most important lesson the alligator learned in 'Dance Is For Everyone'?
Why do you think the alligator wanted to dance? How did the other characters react to it?
How did the dancers work together to include the alligator in their dance?
What changes would you make to the dance to include everyone?
How did the story make you feel? What was your favorite part?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their thoughts by relating to their own experiences of trying something new or joining a group.
Discuss the importance of inclusion and teamwork, highlighting how everyone, just like the alligator, has unique qualities to contribute.
Ask your child to imagine they are directing a dance and think about how they would make everyone feel included.
Use expressive gestures or mimic dance moves from the book to make the discussion more lively and engaging.
Reaffirm the message that everyone deserves a chance to participate and shine in their own way, just like in the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Inclusivity and Acceptance
Explanation: The story revolves around an alligator who joins a ballet class, highlighting how everyone, irrespective of differences, can participate in activities they enjoy.
Real-World Application: Children learn to embrace and accept diverse classmates and friends in their schools and playgrounds, promoting a harmonious and inclusive environment.
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: Despite initial difficulties in fitting in and keeping up with the ballet moves due to her size, the alligator persists and finds ways to integrate into the group.
Real-World Application: It teaches children to persist in the face of challenges, whether it's learning a new skill or adapting to a new situation.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Problem Solving
Explanation: The ballet class has to get creative to accommodate the alligator, using innovative ideas to align her into their routines.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to think creatively and find solutions to include everyone in group activities, regardless of the challenges they might face.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: The classmates' journey from skepticism to supportive friends showcases the development of empathy towards someone who is initially viewed as different.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to be empathetic towards new or different individuals in their own lives, understanding and supporting them.