When you and your students explore the letter N, these books can be springboards and inspiration for improvisations and dance projects.
N is for Numbers
I very much enjoy Theresa Benzwie's Alphabet Movers, and now I also love her 2011 publication Numbers on the Move. I was excited to stumble upon this book, as I have a similar number based warm up I love to do with young ones.
Mark Weber's illustrations of a diverse group of children are joyful and playful. I very much appreciate children's books that show a variety of young boys and girls dancing.
The simple premise of the book will lead to a fun warm up in an parent/child, preschool, or kindergarten dance class.
As we begin to count, there is a movement idea with each number:
One stretch
Two slides
Three jumps
The book goes up to number 10, and counts down again.
N is for Nursery Rhymes
I am a strong believer in the use of nursery rhymes within dance classes. This teaches these important cultural references and classic rhymes/rhythms that we continue to use today. You can find a wide range of nursery rhyme books to use as a teaching springboard; I love making warm ups with various rhymes.
Two favorite books of mine include:
The Neighborhood Mother Goose by Nina Crews
Mother Goose Numbers on the Loose by Leo and Diane Dillon
N is for Nutcracker
Numerous versions now exist of this classic tale. I frequently recommend The Nutcracker by Alison Jay.
N is for Night
How to Make a Night is a story of magic and whimsy that will inspire a unique group dance. Filled with action words – catch, find, pull, peel, and shake – a little girl "makes a night" by taking away the sun and blue sky, splattering gold, and building a moon.
N is for Nocturnal Animals
The extra large picture book Zoo-ology by Joelle Jolivet can be used in many ways throughout a year. For the letter N, look at pages 24 and 25 that illustrate and name 32 different nocturnal animals. Students can select a creature; lead an improv with the class related to levels, speed, and different ways of locomoting.
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