The Dance of the Violin
#2 in Joshua Bell Series
What’s inside...
As a young student of the violin, Joshua Bell learns about an international competition in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and chooses a challenging piece of music he loves. At the competition, Joshua experiences jitters and makes a mistake during his performance. He asks the judges if he could try again, and they allow it. His second performance is flawless. Dušan Petricic's illustrations vividly capture the sounds of Joshua's violin, from the missed notes to the uplifting strains of the perfectly executed piece. This story teaches children that everyone makes mistakes, but there is always a chance for redemption.
Character compass
Joshua Bell
Discussion points
How do you think Joshua felt when he made a mistake during his performance? Have you ever felt the same way?
Why do you think perseverance is important? Can you think of a time when you had to keep trying?
What do you think makes music so powerful and special in Joshua’s story?
How do you think the story would have changed if Joshua had given up after his mistake?
What did you learn from Joshua's experience about setting goals and working towards them?
Tip: Role play these questions
While discussing the book, relate personal stories of overcoming challenges to help your child connect with Joshua's experiences.
Encourage your child to describe their emotions about different parts of the story, fostering empathy and emotional understanding.
Discuss the importance of practice and perseverance in achieving goals, drawing parallels to situations in your child’s life.
Praise your child for their insight during the discussion, reinforcing their confidence in expressing thoughts and feelings.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The protagonist, Joshua, continues to practice violin despite initially facing setbacks, which teaches children the value of persistence.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by continuing to work on challenging tasks at school or in sports, learning not to give up easily.
Example Lesson: Overcoming Fear
Explanation: Joshua deals with stage fright during his performance, showing children that it's normal to feel nervous and that they can overcome their fears.
Real-World Application: This lesson can help children manage their own anxieties, such as speaking in front of the class or trying out for a team.
Example Lesson: Importance of Preparation
Explanation: The story highlights how Joshua's diligent preparation for the violin competition contributes to his improvement and success.
Real-World Application: Children can see the importance of preparing for their own tests or performances, understanding that success often comes from hard work and preparation.
Example Lesson: Learning from Mistakes
Explanation: Joshua makes mistakes during his performance, but instead of giving up, he learns from them, which helps him grow as a musician.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to view their mistakes as learning opportunities, whether in academics, sports, or relationships.
Example Lesson: Joy of Music
Explanation: Through Joshua’s passion for violin, the book conveys the enjoyment and emotional expression music can bring.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to explore and appreciate music or other forms of artistic expression, fostering a lifelong love of the arts.