My First Ballet Stories
on Goodreads (14)
What’s inside...
Adèle Geras and Emma Chichester Clark have teamed up to create this magical series of ballet stories. Each story is beautifully retold and illustrated, bringing the stories behind these well-known ballets to life. Readers can discover the magic of the ballet and enjoy these enchanting tales. Suitable for readers aged 6 and older.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
3-7
Length
117 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What emotions did you feel while reading about the different ballet stories?
Which ballet story was your favorite and why?
How do you think the characters felt during their performances?
If you could create your own ballet story, what would it be about?
What have you learned about ballet from this book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Use expressive reading to convey the emotions of the characters and the excitement of the ballet scenes.
Discuss the illustrations and ask your child to describe what they see and how it enhances the story.
Relate the stories to personal experiences, such as a time your child participated in an event or worked hard to achieve something.
Encourage your child to imagine and describe their own ballet performances or stories, fostering creativity and deeper connection to the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance and dedication
Explanation: Through the characters’ repeated practice and determination to perfect their ballet performances, children see the value of persisting in the face of challenges.
Real-World Application: Children learn to keep trying in their own activities, whether in academics, sports, or learning a new skill, understanding that improvement comes with practice.
Example Lesson: Empathy and understanding
Explanation: The stories explore characters' feelings of nervousness and excitement, helping children understand and empathize with these emotions.
Real-World Application: This can help children recognize similar feelings in themselves and others, promoting emotional intelligence and supportive relationships.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Characters in the stories work together to create a ballet performance, illustrating how collaboration leads to success.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson in group activities at school or in play, learning to cooperate and value each member’s contribution.
Example Lesson: Creativity and expression
Explanation: The book celebrates the art of ballet, a medium of creative expression, showing children the joy and fulfillment that come from artistic endeavors.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to explore and express their own creativity, whether through dance, art, or imaginative play.
Example Lesson: Respect for art and culture
Explanation: By featuring ballet stories, the book introduces children to a cultural art form, cultivating a respect for the arts.
Real-World Application: This exposure helps foster an appreciation for diverse artistic expressions and cultural heritage in their everyday lives.