Dance Magic
Autumn Moonbeam Series
on Goodreads (23)
What’s inside...
Autumn Moonbeam loves gymnastics and dance so when Sparkledale Dance Academy have try-outs for their competitive dance team, Black Cats, she thinks it's the most broom-tastic opportunity ever! Just one problem, Autumn is nervous and worries she won't make it onto the team. And then she discovers that her nasty neighbor Severina Bloodworth, who is always throwing unpleasant comments her way, is trying out too. But with her best friend Batty by her side, can Autumn overcome her shyness, lack of confidence and magical mishaps to be chosen to join Sparkledale Dance Academy?
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-6
Length
96 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How did the characters in 'Dance Magic' express themselves through dance?
What emotions did you feel when the characters faced challenges?
Can you think of a time when you tried something new like the main character did?
Why is it important to help and encourage our friends like the characters in the book?
What would you do if you were in the main character's dancing shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe their favorite part of the story and why it stood out to them. This helps deepen their understanding and connection to the narrative.
Discuss the different dance styles mentioned in the book. Perhaps explore these dance forms through videos or live performances to make the experience more interactive.
Relate the book’s message to your child’s personal experiences. Ask them about times they have helped a friend or pursued a passion despite challenges.
Use the book’s themes to teach resilience and the joy of expressing oneself through art. Highlight how the characters' emotions through dance can be similar to how we express feelings in real life.
After reading, encourage your child to express creatively by drawing a scene from the book or even choreographing a simple dance inspired by the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: In 'Dance Magic', the characters must work together to organize a dance recital, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by collaborating with peers on group projects at school or in extracurricular activities, understanding the value of everyone's contribution.
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book highlights various dance styles from around the world, teaching children to appreciate and respect different cultures.
Real-World Application: Kids can embrace diversity by participating in multicultural events, trying diverse dance styles, or learning about the origins of different dances, fostering a more inclusive attitude.
Example Lesson: Persistence and Practice
Explanation: Characters in 'Dance Magic' practice diligently, demonstrating that persistence is key to mastering any skill.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to persist in their efforts, whether academically, in sports, or in the arts, reinforcing that regular practice leads to improvement.
Example Lesson: Creative Expression
Explanation: The book celebrates expressing oneself through dance, showing that creativity can be a powerful means of self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children can be motivated to explore various forms of creative expression, such as painting, writing, or dancing, to discover personal talents and ways to express their feelings and ideas.
Example Lesson: Confidence Building
Explanation: By participating in the dance recital, characters gain confidence, illustrating the self-esteem boost gained from performing and mastering new skills.
Real-World Application: This lesson can encourage children to take on new challenges and participate in activities that build their confidence, such as public speaking, performances, or learning a new instrument.