Dancing Queen
#7 of 29 in Go girl! Series
What’s inside...
Get into the groove! Charlie is buzzing! She's just had her first ever modern dance class! It's so much better than stuffy old ballet-except that the trendy girls totally tease her make fun of her outfits. But none of that seems to matter once the music plays and Charlie starts to dance... Go Girl #1: Dancing Queen by Thalia Kalkipsakis and illustrated by Ash Oswald is a sweet story full of familiar themes that young readers will be able to relate to their own lives.
Discussion points
What do you think made the main character want to become a 'Dancing Queen'?
How did the characters in the book show support for each other's dreams?
What challenges did the 'Dancing Queen' face and how did she overcome them?
How do you feel when you are dancing or doing something you love?
What would you do if you were in the 'Dancing Queen's' shoes?
Tip: Role play these questions
Create a supportive atmosphere that encourages open expression. Validate your child’s feelings and thoughts as they relate to the story. Discuss personal aspirations and interests to connect the themes of the book to your child’s experiences. Use examples from the book to inspire perseverance and resilience. Encourage imaginative role-play or dance activities inspired by the book to deepen understanding of the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Perseverance
Explanation: In 'Dancing Queen', the protagonist faces various challenges in her dance journey but continues to practice and improve.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of dedication and hard work, applying it to their own goals like mastering a new skill or overcoming academic challenges.
Example Lesson: Confidence
Explanation: The main character grows more confident as she develops her dancing skills, eventually performing in front of an audience.
Real-World Application: This story can encourage children to take pride in their abilities and perform confidently in public settings, such as class presentations or sports.
Example Lesson: Teamwork
Explanation: Throughout the story, the protagonist collaborates with her peers during dance rehearsals, learning the value of working together.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by effectively cooperating in group projects or team sports, appreciating each member's unique contributions.
Example Lesson: Dealing with Disappointment
Explanation: The character experiences setbacks, such as not landing a coveted role, and learns to handle disappointment gracefully.
Real-World Application: This teaches children resilience and the ability to accept and grow from life’s inevitable disappointments, such as losing a game or facing academic hurdles.
Example Lesson: Empathy
Explanation: Interactions with other dancers help the protagonist understand different perspectives and emotions.
Real-World Application: Children reading this book can learn to be more understanding and empathetic towards their peers’ feelings and viewpoints, fostering better interpersonal relationships.