My Friend Maya Loves to Dance
What’s inside...
A young narrator tells readers about her friend Maya, who absolutely loves to dance. In this rhyming picture book, Maya attends a lively dance class. She can't get enough of dance: the costumes, the grand entrances, the pirouettes, the music, the final bow, and the magic of recitals. She even loves the hard work of practice. But why doesn't her friend dance, too? The pages themselves seem to dance, thanks to the charming verse of Cheryl Willis Hudson and the vibrant colors and motion of Eric Velasquez's paintings.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
5-7
Length
32 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think Maya feels when she dances?
Why do you think dancing is important to Maya?
How do you express yourself, like Maya does with dance?
Can you think of a time when you felt really happy doing something you love?
If you could dance with Maya, what kind of dance would you do?
Tip: Role play these questions
Share your own experiences with dance or a hobby you love to help your child relate to Maya.
Highlight the emotions Maya experiences in the story, and ask your child about times they have felt similar emotions.
Encourage your child to show you some dance moves after reading, fostering a connection between the story and physical expression.
Use descriptive language from the book to enrich your child’s vocabulary and understanding of the story.
Ask your child to draw or describe a dance costume they would wear, sparking their creativity and connecting it back to the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Celebration of Diversity
Explanation: This book beautifully demonstrates the concept of diversity through Maya's interactions with friends of varied cultural backgrounds, all united by their love for dance.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace different cultures and backgrounds in their own communities and schools.
Example Lesson: Expression Through Art
Explanation: Maya shows that dance is a powerful form of self-expression and communication. It offers insight into how feelings and stories can be conveyed through movement.
Real-World Application: Children can be encouraged to explore different forms of artistic expression to articulate their emotions and ideas.
Example Lesson: The Importance of Friendship
Explanation: The story highlights the value of having supportive friends who share common interests, as Maya enjoys dancing with her friends.
Real-World Application: This teaches children to value and nurture friendships, recognizing shared activities as a foundation for strong bonds.
Example Lesson: Pursuing Passions
Explanation: Maya's dedication to dance despite various challenges showcases the importance of pursuing one’s passions relentlessly.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to discover what they love doing and to pursue it with dedication, irrespective of obstacles.
Example Lesson: Inclusivity
Explanation: Through inclusive dance scenes, the book promotes an environment where everyone, regardless of ability or background, is welcomed and can participate.
Real-World Application: This can help children understand and advocate for inclusivity in all areas of their lives, from school to social environments.