Dancing Words Blog

Today I Feel...

We have come a long way since my childhood in the 70s, in terms of books and curriculum about social-emotional ideas and learning. However, few picture books exist to offer language and images for young ones. Today I would like to recommend the 2017 English translation of the book Today I Feel: An Alphabet of Feelings by Madalena Moniz.

Use this book with a variety of age groups - from preschool through 3rd grade. The book can inspire an improvisational activity, mirroring activity, or group dance. 

The words include:

adored

brilliant

curious

daring

excited 

free

There's lots of potential with facial expressions, body parts/whole body movement, dynamic changes, and axial/traveling movement. Seasoned dance teachers could make a playlist and change the music with each new word to further explore the varying qualities and speeds for each idea.

Some of my favorite words in the book are free, grumpy, light, patient, and strong.

I am adding this to my ongoing alphabet book list as well as book list for emotions/feelings.

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Plants Can't Sit Still by Rebecca E. Hirsch

Yes, I can get very excited about picture books and the many possibilities for dance explorations and projects. The other week at the library, I stumbled upon a find that might be one of my top 5 favorite books for dancing, of all time! Really.

The book published in 2016 is Plants Can't Sit Still by Rebecca E. Hirsch and illustrator Mia Posada.

Every page inspires movement, level changes, and traveling. The book begins with:

Plants don't have feet or fins or wings, 

yet they can move in many ways.

Look closely and you'll discover that plants can't sit still. 

Plants can wiggle.

As seedlings start to grow, 

they squirm out of spring soil, unfold their leaves,

and reach for the warmth and the light.

Similarly done just here, the book highlights in different colored inks the action words per page.

Rich possibilities are here to explore this long list of verbs from the book, as well as making a group dance using the entire text. Consider using the book in preschool, kindergarten, and first grade classes.