Show Time!: Music, Dance, and Drama Activities for Kids
on Goodreads (10)
What’s inside...
Show Time! is a comprehensive guide for kids to become 'triple threat' performers by developing skills in singing, dancing, and acting. The book includes over 80 activities, such as imitating a musician, acting out a song, creating a mirror dance, making puppets and playbills, and more. It also explores the history of musicals and provides insights into musicals about history. The book is an ideal resource for teachers preparing performers for a show, parents seeking engaging activities for their kids, and children looking for fun ways to entertain themselves. It includes play scripts, a list of suggested musicals for kids, and a play glossary.
Age
6-12
Length
208 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What kind of performance would you like to put on after reading the book? Why?
Which activity from the book excites you the most, and what would you need to make it happen?
Can you think of a song or a play that matches the theme of one of the activities we read about?
How do you think the characters felt during their performances?
If you could create your own character for a play, who would they be and why?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their ideas by asking them to elaborate on their answers.
Connect the book’s themes to personal experiences or family events that involve music, dance, or drama.
Discuss the emotions and teamwork involved in performances, highlighting the importance of both in daily life.
Offer to help organize a small family performance where your child can showcase what they learned from the book.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Creativity and Expression
Explanation: The book encourages children to engage in music, dance, and drama activities, fostering their creative skills and self-expression.
Real-World Application: Children learn to express themselves artistically, which can boost their confidence and emotional intelligence in school presentations or daily interactions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Activities in the book often require working with others, teaching children essential interpersonal skills and cooperation.
Real-World Application: The collaborative skills learned can be applied in group projects at school or team sports, enhancing their ability to work effectively with others.
Example Lesson: Discipline and Persistence
Explanation: Practicing music, dance, and drama requires consistent effort and discipline, instilling a sense of perseverance in children.
Real-World Application: This lesson translates into improved focus and dedication in completing homework, chores, or learning new skills outside of the arts.
Example Lesson: Cultural Awareness
Explanation: Through diverse forms of artistic expressions explored in the book, children gain exposure to various cultural contexts.
Real-World Application: Children can develop a broader understanding and appreciation for different cultures, which is beneficial in our increasingly global society.
Example Lesson: Emotional Intelligence
Explanation: By engaging in role-playing and performing arts, children learn to understand and portray different emotions, enhancing their emotional literacy.
Real-World Application: This ability helps children navigate their relationships more effectively, interpreting and reacting to social cues in real-world scenarios appropriately.