Classroom Resources

Dante the Dancing Goose is a story that can be used for fun AND as an educational resource. It is an appropriate addition to Fine Arts, Music and Movement, Poetry, Keys to Character, Science/Florida, and general Reading curriculum units. Here are some ways you can incorporate Dante into your lesson!

Fine Arts/Music and Movement

- It can be used to introduce different styles of dance. There are five styles mentioned in the story – ballet, tap, jazz, salsa, and hip hop.

- It can be used alongside nonfiction selections – a fun way to introduce factual text. You can pair it with nonfiction books about dance, music, instruments, performing, or with biographies of famous performers.

- For music, you can use the dance styles mentioned to incorporate or introduce the different music genres used for these dances. For example, use the ballet section to introduce classical music, the jazz section for jazz and blues music, or the salsa section for Latin music.

- The tap and hip hop sections can be used to introduce a rhythm unit in a music or movement curriculum.

Poetry

- This story is written in rhyme. It can be used in primary grade levels to support lessons on rhyming words, rhythm in fluency, syllable patterns, etc.

- It can be used as a resource for lessons on figurative language.

Keys to Character

- Dante is a good example of perseverance! Use this story to introduce a lesson on perseverance and self-esteem.

- Dante’s friend, Dorrie, is a great example of encouragement. Use the story to introduce a lesson on encouragement, confidence, or friendship.

Science/Florida

- This book can be used to introduce units on lake habitats, birds, and Florida.

Reading

- This book can be used in general reading units to support important skills and concepts. It can be read individually, in small groups, or as a read-aloud. For example, 3^rd grade teachers can use this story to support lessons on FCAT-tested skills, such as:

                                  - Compare and Contrast
                                  - Cause and Effect
                                  - Making Inferences
                                  - Main Idea and Details
                                  - Sequence
                                  - Problem and Solutions
                                  - Narrative Elements
                                  - Fact and Opinion
                                  - Summarizing
                                  - Vocabulary in Context

** Teacher sets will be available on the “Purchase Online” page soon. They include the paperback (one copy or in a set of five), the book-on-CD, pencils, bookmarks, and a laminated lesson guide. The lesson guide will have specific activities for each skill listed above. These activities can be adapted for PreK and primary grade levels.