Dance with Oti: The Lion Samba
What’s inside...
The children are excited to return to dance class with Mrs Oti and waste no time preparing for their animal-themed dance show. Mrs Oti teaches them all about animal movements and how they can be used in their dance. From stomping like an elephant, stretching up high like a giraffe or even shaking your mane like a lion, there’s so much fun to be had. But when disaster strikes on the day of the show, it seems like all of their hard work has been for nothing. Luckily for the children, Mrs Oti is on hand, and soon they realize that a little bit of courage can go a long way. Written by Strictly Come Dancing superstar, Oti Mabuse, this heartwarming picture book will dance into the hands of families who have loved watching Oti on-screen.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
4-8
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What did you like most about the Lion Samba dance in the book?
How did the characters in the book feel when they were dancing?
Can you think of a time when you felt similar to any of the characters while doing something fun?
Why do you think dancing together made the characters happy?
What new dance moves did you learn from the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to describe the dance movements by demonstrating them together.
Ask open-ended questions to understand your child's feelings and thoughts about dancing and teamwork.
Discuss the importance of practicing and learning new skills, as shown by the characters trying to master the Lion Samba.
Relate the book's story to real-life situations, like attending a dance class or performing in front of others.
Praise the child's efforts in discussing the book and any dance moves they try, reinforcing positive learning and enjoyment.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Embracing Diversity
Explanation: The book showcases a variety of animals from different backgrounds coming together to dance, symbolizing unity in diversity.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and celebrate differences in their peers, promoting inclusivity in their everyday interactions.
Example Lesson: Importance of Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the story must cooperate and synchronize their dance movements, illustrating the value of working together to achieve a common goal.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to participate in group activities at school or in sports, understanding that collaboration leads to success.
Example Lesson: Building Confidence through Learning New Skills
Explanation: The protagonist, by learning to dance the lion samba, gains confidence. This transformation is evident as the dance progresses.
Real-World Application: Children are motivated to try new activities and understand that developing new skills, such as playing an instrument or a new sport, can boost their self-esteem and personal growth.