Red Dancing Shoes

I was thinking about this book today and got it out of the library again. Red Dancing Shoes by Denise Lewis Patrick is a good read with students in kindergarten, first, and second grade.

The main character, a little girl, is about 7 or 8 years old. She receives a gift of a new, shiny pair of red shoes – which she calls "dancing shoes." She goes around town to show off her shoes, but gets them a little dirty in the meantime. All ends well.

Many students have a special pair of shoes, a skirt, a cape, etc. that they associate with dancing. Read this story with a class and talk about their special dancing items. Maybe even have them bring them in for a dance class or a dance party in your classroom! This topic could also be a great starting point for 1st and 2nd graders for a writing activity about their special item and when/where they like to dance (parties, at home, etc).