Armadillo Rodeo Lesson Plan

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I use Armadillo Rodeo as part of an author study. Students love Jan Brett and enjoy moving to the music. In this lesson, students will "demonstrate partner skills of copying, leading, following, and mirror imaging." --Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework 

OBJECTIVE
Students will "demonstrate partner skills of copying, leading, following, and mirror imaging." --Massachusetts Arts Curriculum Framework

MATERIALS

• Armadillo Rodeo by Jan Brett
• A recording of These Boots Are Made For Walking. I like to use the version by the children's group The Sugar Beats, off of their 21 Really Cool Songs CD. You can find them at www.sugar-beats.com 

DIRECTIONS
Point out the boots featured in the book. Explain that you will be leading a dance about boots and that students should follow your movements. Have students form a line behind you. With the music playing, students should follow you around the room. This movement activity is very much open to your interpretation. Here's an example: Try lifting your feet high up off the ground for "boots," add a few slow spins, take a step to the left and then the right, stop and twist.

SUPPORTING ALL LEARNERS
Before beginning the movement activity remind students to keep their hands safe. You don't want them to get so excited by the music that they start pushing in the line.

LESSON EXTENSION

Let students take turns leading the line. Their peers will have a blast trying to copy their movements.

Related Resources
www.sugar-beats.com/21coolsongs/?lyrics_id=53
http://www.janbrett.com
http://books.scholastic.com/teachers/authorsandbooks/authorstudies/authorhome.jsp?authorID=13&collateralID=5110&displayName=Biography

Jeremy Brunaccioni is a kindergarten teacher in Massachusetts.

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