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Vampirina Ballerina
Last updated Wednesday, October 5, 2022
Author: Anne Marie Pace
Illustrator: LeUyen Pham
Date of Publication: 2012
ISBN: 978-1423157533
Grade Level: Kindergarten (GLCs: Click here for grade level guidelines.)
Date(s) Used: Oct. 2022
Synopsis:
Oh, to be a ballerina! It's a challenge for any little girl, but even more so if you happen to be a vampire like Vampirina. First of all, you have to find a class that meets at night. Then you have to figure out how to perfect your form when you can't see yourself in the mirror? And then there's wearing pink (not the most flattering of colors if you happen to be undead) and that nagging urge to take a little nip out of the other dancers. And worse of all - STAGE FRIGHT!!!
| Note to readers: |
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We're having a magic show today at 11:15am at the lunch tables, so bring the kids back at 11:10am.
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| Discussion topics for before reading: |
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Who is Vampirina Ballerina?
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Where is Vampirina Ballerina dancing on the cover of the book?
Vocabulary:
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tutu - a skirt worn by ballet dancers, consisting of four or five layers of silk or nylon frills.
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Madame - a French-speaking woman.
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dismayed - upset
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overshadow - tower above and cast a shadow over; appear more important than others.
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fangs - sharp, pointed teeth
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fifth position - a posture in which the feet are turned outward, one immediately in front of but touching the other so that the toe of the back foot just protrudes beyond the heel of the front foot.
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plie, releve, arabesque, pirouettes, grand jete - ballet postures; ballet moves
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debut - a person's first appearance or performance in a particular capacity or role.
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| Discussion topics for during/after reading: |
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What did the ballet dancers think about Vampirina and her guests when they showed up for class?
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What kind of pets does Vampirina have?
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Why did Vampirina want to keep her mouth closed while dancing?
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What did the other dancers think of Vampirina before the big night? What did they think about her after the big performance on stage?
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| Craft ideas: |
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Draw yourself as a ballerina with a traditional costume on one side and a vampire costume on the other.
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Make bats with black or colorful paper, fold in half, trace an outline of a bat, then cut out (volunteers might need to help with drawing, especially on dark paper and cutting).
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Check our craft ideas on Pinterest!
https://www.pinterest.com/readingtokids/october-2022-halloween-magic-monsters/
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*Note: These craft ideas are just suggestions.
You can use them, but you don't have to use them.
You can expand upon them, or add your own twist.
Remember, though, that the focus of your time should
not be on the development and execution of a craft;
the focus should be on the read-aloud and the
enjoyment of the book!
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