It can be difficult to find quality mentor texts to teach rhyme, rhythm and repetition. Today we are spotlighting a wonderful read aloud to add to your classroom library, Drum Dream Girl. Not only does this book have great rhythm, but it is based off a real person, Millo Castro Zaldarriaga was the women who broke Cuba’s tradition of only male drummers! - Jodi and the Starts With a Story Team
SUMMARY
The book Drum Dream Girl takes place on an island where music is a big part of daily life. On this island, it is believed that only boys should be allowed to play the drums.
The main character in this story is a little girl who loves the sound of drums and dreams of playing them someday. She spends her time listening to men play the drums and imagining herself playing them, too. One day, she plays the drums for her sisters and they are very impressed. However, her father hears and was very upset to see his daughter playing the drums. Sadly, the girl must keep dreaming about the drums.
Her father eventually decides to take her to a music teacher who can decide if she should be able to play. The music teacher is so impressed with the girl and helps her become an even better drummer. When she is good enough, the drum dream girl plays her drums at a cafe. Everyone begins singing and dancing while she plays. This helps the people on the island believe that girls should be able to play the drums and dream just like the boys do.
USE THIS BOOK TO TEACH:
While this book is a great choice for teaching rhyme and rhythm, it lends itself to teaching so many different skills too. Read alouds not only teach children about story elements, but they can be used as a model of quality writing. Here are some ways to use Drum Dream Girl with your students.
- Practice identifying the theme or message of the story.
- Encourage students to analyze the setting of the book and discuss how it affects the story.
- Engage students in descriptive writing as they consider what drums look and sound like.
- Teach students to persuade readers as they write about topics surrounding the story.
- Review action verbs and compound words.
- Introduce students to the variety of ways to make a noun plural.
- Discuss the importance of quality both in the story and in real life.
NO-PREP PRINTABLE ACTIVITIES:
If you are looking for “ready to go” activities for the first day of school, be sure to check out the book companion. With it you’ll receive all of the following resources to align with this specific book:
- comprehension questions
- 30 writing prompts with themed paper
- vocabulary activities
- word study print & go activities
- ideas for grammar lessons with focus sentence printables
- social emotional learning discussion topics
- graphic organizers to target specific comprehension skills and strategies
The Starts With a Story book companion for Drum Dream Girl has 34 comprehension questions teachers to ask students as they read the book. Each comprehension question has a possible student answer to help teachers with their discussion. We have also included 30 writing prompts, ideas for teaching three grammar skills, and discussion ideas for integrating social emotional learning. The book companion has graphic organizers and worksheets that are a great way for students to practice new skills or demonstrate their learning. We hope this resource makes planning and teaching so much easier!
ADDITIONAL BOOK SUGGESTIONS
You and your students will also love these similar books:
- Last Stop on Market Street by Matt de la Peña
- Alma and How She Got Her Name by Juana Martinez-Neal
- The Name Jar by Yangsook Choiangsook Choi
- Ruby's Wish by Shirin Yim
TRY OUT A SAMPLE COMPANION
It's hard to explain how amazing the Starts with a Story book companions are because there is just so much goodness included in each one. It's best if you experience using one for yourself. Sign up below & we'll send you an entire book companion to try out for FREE!
