The Stars are Waiting

While the book The Stars are Waiting is about 15 years old, the story is new inspiration to me. I recently stumbled upon it at the library. The text will inspire an improvisation or a dance project with students ranging in age from preschool through 2nd grade. I think the text beautifully pairs with exploring stopping and moving – dancing and freezing – with young students. It also lends itself to exploring shape, pathway, and entrances/exits.

Over the hill, behind the moon, the stars are waiting…

Waiting for wrens to quietly gather,

Waiting for squirrels to cease their chatter. 

Waiting for sparrows to end their flight,

Waiting for day to fade to night.

I feel that you could easily use the entire text for a project. Use the text to inspire solos, small group sections, or whole group dancing. The Stars are Waiting is being added to my list of "magic and whimsy" books to use with students in Prek-5. 

The Stars are Waiting is by Marjorie Dennis Murray with illustrations by Jacqueline Rogers. Purchase a used copy here.

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