Boogie Woogie
As the Olympics kick into gear this July, children will see athletes from around the world jumping and running, leaping and twirling, kicking and scooting on their television screen. It’s natural that they would want to move about, too. You will see many children at play as make-believe gymnasts, cyclists, swimmers, and jumpers. You may even have the chance to see one of the newest sports to be part of the Olympic Games for the first time in 2024: breakdancing. The Olympics calls this sport “breaking,” but it is the same dancing style that was popular in the 70’s and well known for its popping, locking, and spinning moves on the ground.
This month’s story celebrates the movements found in Latin dance. Some of these moves can also be found in breakdancing. As you read the story, encourage children to make the same snapping and tapping movements found in the pages of the book.
The story, Boogie in the Bronx by Jackie Azua Kramer, is actually a song. The lyrics make up the words in the book. On the back cover, you can scan a QR code that links you to the music and a YouTube video. As you read along and dance, you will hear the music of the Bronx, where many people of Latin heritage brought dances like salsa, samba, and the merengue to the streets of New York. The popularity of these dances today are much like the breakdancing craze of decades past.
Use this month’s activity sheet to practice dance-related words and verbs.
- - -
This month’s HoneyB3E’s activity sheet is titled Boogie Woogie. Click below to download a copy of the activity sheet for free. While you’re here, be sure to subscribe to the HoneyB3E Hive newsletter for more activities, and check out HoneyB3E’s latest activity book Flags of the World.
Look for a copy of Boogie in the Bronx by Jackie Azua Kramer at this link or at your local library.