Rhythm and Shoes - Level 21-22

In Rhythm and Shoes, readers follow Jasmine, a passionate tap dancer, as she prepares for a big performance with her dance class. The book cleverly blends informative non-fiction features such as a glossary, index, labelled diagrams, and fact boxes with a sequential narrative written in the present tense. Through speech bubbles and engaging photographs, students gain insight into the world of tap dancing, including historical and practical aspects. Specialised vocabulary such as "performance", "shoemakers", and "stage door" support literacy development. The book offers opportunities for students to explore root word variations, describe sequences of events, and use text features as a model for their own writing. This engaging and educational read helps students connect reading with real-life activities and interests.

Educational Benefits

• Develops understanding of non-fiction text features (glossary, index, diagrams)
• Encourages vocabulary development through context-based learning
• Reinforces sequencing and procedural understanding
• Promotes critical thinking through opinion formation and textual analysis

Classroom Ideas

• Create a mini dance show with roles assigned from the book
• Use speech bubbles to write dialogues from characters
• Research and present a short report on the history of tap dancing
• Explore root words and create word families using dance terms

Safety & Information

• Recommended for ages 6+
• Book dimensions: 14.5cm x 16.5cm; 16 pages
• Safe for classroom use with no small or detachable parts