Lesson 1 - Get to Know
the Book
The Grown-Up Scoop
These first lessons are all about discovering this amazing book. Use this time to not only read it, but to start diving into the themes and details of the story!
Below are links to download the Book Pack Plan and Study Guide for Giraffes Can’t Dance. Feel free to use these to explore the book on your own, or as a guide to follow along with as you travel through the sections.
Before You Read
To get started, share this short story summary with your child(ren):
Gerald, a giraffe in Africa, joins his friends at the annual Jungle Dance. All the other animals, however, begin to make fun of Gerald’s dance moves. Feeling left out and alone, Gerald searches for his own dance moves. Taking the advice of an encouraging cricket, he soon learns— “We all can dance, when we find music that we love!”
Now, sitting comfortably with your child(ren), show them the front and back covers of the book. Then ask questions, like the following, to stimulate their thinking, to encourage them to read, and to create wonder.
Are You Ready?
Begin each lesson with an African A-GO and A-MAY exercise to bring child(ren) to attention.
A-GO: Means “Are you ready to listen in silence?” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
A-MAY: Means “Yes, I am ready to listen in silence and you may begin.” (Explain the meaning and have them repeat the word.)
Before Reading Questions:
Have you ever seen a real giraffe? Where?
What time is it on the cover? How can you tell?
Do you like to dance? What song /kind of music makes you want to dance?
Can you name some different ways of dancing?
How are the animals dancing on the back cover of the book?
Show the location of Africa on the map or globe. Can you tell me something about Africa?
Have you ever done something different and been called weird ?
Read the Book
When you are ready, read the book with your child(ren). Remember to have fun with it!
After You Read
After reading, review the story and its details by asking more questions to your child/children.
Post Reading Questions:
Who is the main character of the story? How would you describe him?
Where are they in the story?
Name some things Gerald felt good about doing.
Why did Gerald feel so sad?
Why did he have problems dancing?
What dances did the animals do?
What words did the animals use to describe Gerald?
Is there an insect in the story? What did the cricket tell Gerald?
Can animals really dance? (discuss pretend and real)