Barnyard Dance!
Boynton on Board Series
on Goodreads (25,141)
What’s inside...
Barnyard Dance! is a lively rhyming book from the bestselling Boynton on Board series, featuring farm animals engaging in a fun hoedown. The book includes twirling pigs, fiddle-playing cows, and other unforgettable animals, along with rhyming text and a die-cut cover that reveals the wacky characters inside. It is designed to get kids and adults stomping their feet and invites young readers to join the fun. The 'Barnyard Dance!' song, performed by John Stey, is available for download. This book is suitable for ages 0-4, and an oversized lap edition is also available for reading aloud.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
1-3
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Character compass
Cow
Horse
Discussion points
What sounds do you think the animals in the barnyard would make while they dance?
Why do you think the animals enjoy dancing together?
If you were at the barnyard dance, which animal would you want to dance with and why?
How do you feel when you dance with your friends or family?
Can you think of a new dance move and name it after one of the animals in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express themselves by asking them to demonstrate dance moves they imagine for each animal. Use expressive and exaggerated tones to mimic the animal sounds from the book, making the reading experience more immersive and fun. Validate their feelings and thoughts about dancing and teamwork, linking them to the joy seen in the book’s illustrations. After reading, have a mini dance party with your child, using the animals and dance moves discussed as inspirations.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Cooperation and Teamwork
Explanation: In 'Barnyard Dance!' all the barnyard animals come together to dance in harmony, demonstrating a spirit of cooperation and teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these values by participating in group activities at school or during play, learning how to work well with others and contribute to a team effort.
Example Lesson: Following Directions
Explanation: Throughout the book, animals follow dance calls which teach them to listen and follow instructions carefully.
Real-World Application: This skill can be beneficial in academic settings or at home as children are often required to follow directions from teachers and parents.
Example Lesson: Joy of Physical Activity
Explanation: The energetic and vibrant dance of the animals showcases the joy and health benefits of engaging in physical activities.
Real-World Application: This can encourage children to participate in physical education or outdoor play, promoting fitness and well-being.
Example Lesson: Celebration of Diversity
Explanation: Various types of animals with different traits all dance together, showing that diversity is something to be celebrated.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate and embrace differences in their peers, understanding that everyone has unique qualities to contribute.
Example Lesson: Rhythm and Musical Appreciation
Explanation: The rhythmic and rhyming text of the book can help develop a child's ear for music and rhythm.
Real-World Application: This exposure can enhance their ability to appreciate and perhaps participate in music and dance activities both at school and in social settings.