Dancer the Wild Pony
#1 in Superfairies Series
What’s inside...
Dancer, don’t run away! The Superfairies want to help a nervous wild pony feel more confident for the Summer Fair dance contest, but first they need to catch up with her.
Discussion points
How do you think Dancer felt when he was exploring the wild fields for the first time?
What would you do if you met a pony like Dancer?
What does being 'wild' mean to you, and do you think Dancer enjoys being wild?
How do the other animals in the story interact with Dancer, and what does that tell us about friendships?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story, perhaps as Dancer or one of the other characters. Ask them to describe what they see, hear, and feel. This not only enhances their understanding but also boosts empathy and creative thinking. Use expressive reading techniques, such as varying your voice tone or speed when reading different characters, to make the story come alive. Discuss similar personal experiences with nature or animals to make connections between the book and your child’s world, reinforcing the themes of adventure and friendship.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of compassion
Explanation: In 'Dancer the Wild Pony,' the main character demonstrates kindness by helping Dancer, a lost and frightened pony. The character's actions show empathy and understanding towards Dancer's feelings.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to relate to the feelings of others and show kindness in real-life situations, such as comforting a friend who is upset or helping a stray animal find a safe home.
Example Lesson: The value of courage
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist must overcome fears to help Dancer. This demonstrates the courage it takes to face challenging situations head-on.
Real-World Application: This lesson encourages children to be brave when confronting their own challenges, like trying out for a sports team or standing up against bullying at school.
Example Lesson: Responsibility
Explanation: Caring for Dancer requires the main character to take on responsibilities and be dependable. This aspect of the story highlights the importance of being trustworthy and reliable in caring for others.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by taking responsibility for their actions and duties, such as completing homework on time or caring for a family pet.
Example Lesson: Friendship and teamwork
Explanation: The protagonist collaborates with others in the community to help Dancer. This shows how teamwork and building friendships can achieve common goals.
Real-World Application: This teaches children the significance of working together and supporting each other in group tasks or team sports at school.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The main character and Dancer face various obstacles but persevere through them. This part of the narrative underscores the power of resilience in overcoming adversity.
Real-World Application: Children learn that persistence is crucial in facing personal difficulties, whether it's learning a new skill or dealing with a tough situation at home or school.