Reader's/Teacher's Guide created by Mona Voelkel, NBCT
©2021 Janet Gurtler
May 20, 2022
BOOK GUIDE with Literacy Links
MY DANCING FEET Author: Dianne Koebel-Pede Illustrator: JupitersMuse Publisher: Eman Books, 2021 Ages: 4-8 Themes: Dance ©2021 Janet Gurtler
My niece, Nora Mendick, enjoying MY DANCING FEET
Synopsis:
©2021 Janet Gurtler
MY DANCING FEET is a celebration of dancers and dancing. Through joyous rhyme that weaves in references to ballet, tap, hip-hop, and jazz, a dancer's life unfolds from practice to performance. Make sure you read this special book out loud! Having your dancer personalize the back pages transforms this book into a treasured keepsake. If you have a dancer in yout life, you will want this book!
"You shine like a star when you move to the beat. Watching you dance is always a treat." -from MY DANCING FEET
What I Love About
MY DANCING FEET:
©2021 Janet Gurtler
Dianne Koebel-Pede's rhyming poetry drew me in from the first line. In a recent email correspondence, the author shared her deep connection to poetry and dance and this book reflects that connection, along with her passion to empower and entertain her readers. IWhat I love the most about this book is how much fun it is to read aloud! This would also be an amazing text for Reader's Theater! Wouldn't it also be amazing to see a dance (in a variety of dance styles) performance to accompany this book?
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET: Before Reading: Share the cover illustration and title. Ask children what they "See/Think/Wonder."
©2021 Janet Gurtler
Discuss experiences with dance recitals , ance lessons and/or dancing for fun. What are some styles of dance? During Reading: Read the book through and then reread. Discuss. Author Website: https://www.pdplace.online Illustrator Website https://www.jupitersmuse.com
"Reading, writing, poetry and dance are all activities that transport me to a magical place. I love to share that with others, especially children and youth." -Author Dianne Koebel-Pede
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET: Movement/Music: Games
©2021 Janet Gurtler
Give students an emotion and ask them to create a dance!
DANCE FREEZE Give children dance props (see cover) and when they "freeze" take a photo for a class book or to inspire writing. Art/Writing: Teach children about rhyming couplets. Have them illustrate their favorite couplets from the text or write their own dance- (or favorite activity) inspired couplet. Paint along with danceinspired music.
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET:
©2021 Janet Gurtler
Writing Prompt: Listen to the song and read the lyrics to, "We Don't Talk About Bruno." (Grade 3 and up) Discuss the meaning of the song. Now, watch this video and choreography of "We Don't Talk About Bruno." How did the viewing (or re-viewing) of the dance add to your understanding of the song.
After discussion, write a 7-minute QuickWrite about the meaning of "We Don't Talk about Bruno." In partnerships, compose a dance to convey what you wrote. Younger students can view a dance or dance video and identify the emotions expressed through dance.
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET: Vocabulary: plié
©2021 Janet Gurtler
sauté.
jeté
Discuss meaning and use the words in sentences. Have students create a dance for each word.
Word Quest: Practice
"Practise" is the usual spelling (and the spelling used in MY DANCING FEET) outside of American English (as a verb). Discuss the concept of "spelling variations" and hypothesize/research the reasons behind it.
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET: Science/Math/STEAM:
©2021 Janet Gurtler
During/After a "Machines" unit, ask students to create dances to communicate key concepts and vocabulary. Students can choreograph dance movements to explain mathematical concepts, such as "line", right angle", and "perimeter", as in this video.
Activities Resources:
MY DANCING FEET:
©2021 Janet Gurtler
Reflections: I have always loved dancing! As a child, I took Irish dancing lessons for 8 years and the memory of gliding effortlessly across the floor brings great joy! These days, I dance as much as possible but it's not always easy to make dancing happen! My favorite spot is Mishnock Barn in West Greenwich, Rhode Island. If you like country dancing, it's a mustvisit! MY DANCING FEET has really inspired me to fill my life with more dancing!
Booking now for author visits, literacy events, and professional development offerings for 2022/2023. Free consultation. Let's share the joy of reading together!
mona@monavoelkel.com
Book Guide with Literacy Links, 2022
www.monavoelkel.com
