Song and Dance Man



Song and Dance Man
By: Karen Ackerman
Illustrated by: Stephen Gammell
Genre: Fiction
Ages: 4-7

 This is a story about a grandfather who used to sing and dance years and years ago. One day he takes his grandchildren into the attic and shows them all of his old costumes and props. He performs for his grandchildren and they then call him the “song and dance man.” His grandchildren realize that their grandfather has a past and used to be a very interesting and fun man. Children can relate their own grandfathers to the grandfather in the story. This story is very entertaining and conveys an important message to children!


Theme:
All of our family members have a story. Everyone’s story is different but they all have a past. It is important to talk to our family members about what their lives were like when they were younger so that we can better understand them.


About the author:
Karen Ackerman published her first children's book in 1982. She has published over 25 books. She has won several awards for her works including the 1989 Caldecott Medal for Song and Dance Man.


Pre-reading activities:
I would have the student’s grandparents come in to the class to hear the story. The students will sit with their grandparents as I read. They can all interact and ask questions during the story.


Post-reading activities:
I will have every child sit with their grandparent and think of a story to go along with one thing their grandparent loved to do when they were a kid. I will then have them all share with the class. 

Source used:
http://www.amazon.com/Song-Dance-Man-Dragonfly-Books/dp/0679819959