The Elephant Dancer (Read-It! Chapter Books: Historical Tales)
What’s inside...
The Elephant Dancer is a historical tale set in India during the time of the British Raj. The story follows a young girl named Maya who works with her father in a traveling circus, performing with their beloved elephant, Lakshmi. When the British soldiers come to their village, they want to take Lakshmi away to perform for them. Maya must find the courage and ingenuity to save Lakshmi and keep their circus family together. Through her journey, Maya learns about loyalty, bravery, and the importance of standing up for what is right. Jessica Gunderson's book is a chapter book that not only entertains young readers but also educates them about a significant period in Indian history and the power of resilience and friendship.
Why read this book
- Inspires historical curiosity through engaging storytelling.
- Enhances empathy with diverse, relatable characters.
- Encourages critical thinking and problem-solving.
- Ideal for family reading and discussion.
Age
7-10
Length
64 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think made the elephant dancer brave?
How do you think the characters felt during their journey?
What would you have done if you were in the same situation as the elephant dancer?
Why is friendship important in the story?
How do you think the story would change if it happened in today's world?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine themselves in the story and ask how they would react in similar situations.
Discuss the historical setting of the book to give context to the characters' actions and challenges.
Highlight the importance of bravery and friendship discussed in the book and relate them to real-life scenarios your child might encounter.
Ask your child to draw their favorite scene from the book and describe why they chose it, fostering a deeper connection with the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: The main character demonstrates perseverance by overcoming obstacles to train the elephant to dance, despite numerous challenges.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by staying persistent in their goals, whether in learning a new skill or completing tasks, showing them that success often comes through consistent effort.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist learns to understand and share the feelings of the elephant, developing a deep bond based on empathy.
Real-World Application: This lesson teaches children the importance of understanding others' feelings and perspectives, fostering better relationships and emotional connections in school and at home.
Example Lesson: Courage
Explanation: The protagonist displays courage by tackling new challenges and standing up for what they believe is right for the elephant, despite opposition.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to face their fears and stand up for themselves and others, which is crucial in building self-confidence and making moral decisions.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Achieving the goal of teaching the elephant to dance required collaboration with others, highlighting the value of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This reinforces to children the importance of working together to achieve common goals, be it in group projects, sports, or family activities.