When
dealing with squirmy kids, sometimes the best move is just to get up
and move with them! A dance-themed Read-Aloud is a wonderful choice -- dancing is a healthy, fun activity and there are great books available about dance, music and
movement with which to create a dance-themed Read-Aloud.
Teams at ARHA Ruby Tucker Center and Virginia Gardens recently held dance-themed Read-Alouds. Each team brought in special guests to introduce new dance styles to the kids.
At ARHA, Team 4 began its dance day with a
participatory song about Miss Susie. The singing and hand movements grabbed the
children’s attention right away and led into a successful reading time. Giraffes Can't Dance by Giles Andreae and Elephants Cannot Dance! by Mo
Willems set the stage by presenting two characters (both, oddly, named
Gerald!) who believed they could not dance, but discovered they really could.
ARHA was lucky to have Katy Baytosh, a guest dance
instructor, who led everyone through several African- and Caribbean-style dances. The
children were excited, engaged and excellent dancers. And the volunteers got a
bit of a workout too!
Virginia Gardens volunteers invited special guests from Tobas DinastÃa, a local dance group.
“Tobas” is an energetic dance that originates from Bolivia and represents
the victory of the hunt. The dancers wear colorful, exotic costumes – including
feathered headdresses and spears. The volunteers talked with the kids about the importance of dance in
different cultures and gave examples of ways it can be used to honor cultural heritage. The team also read books
that highlighted culturally significant dances. The guests performed Tobas for the children and then taught them some
steps. A highlight of the night was when the kids were allowed to touch the
dancers’ spears (fake, of course!) and wear their headdresses.
Dance
is universal. As a theme, it
offers opportunities to express emotions, social interaction and cultural pride –
and even get the squirmies out!
Here is a list of books that would work well for a Read-Aloud about dance.
Giraffes Can’t Dance
by Giles Andreae
Elephants Cannot Dance!
by Mo Willems
Kitchen Dance by Maurie J.
Manning
Song and Dance Man by Karen Ackerman
Brothers of the Knight
by Debbie Allen
Dance! by Elisha
Cooper
Rosie’s Ballet Slippers
by Susan Hampshire
Flora and the Flamingo
by Molly Idle
The Jellybeans and
the Big Dance by Laura Numeroff
Cats’ Night Out by Caroline
Stutson
The Day We Danced in Underpants
by Sarah Wilson
Dumpy La Rue by Elizabeth
WinthropTo receive credit for this online training, please fill out the form here.