Learn to Hoof Dance With Donkey Hodie

Talk with your child about a time when they had to practice something in order to learn a new skill. How did they feel when they learned how to brush their teeth? What was it like to learn how to sing their favorite song? Also, how did they feel before they learned that new skill, compared with their feelings after figuring it out? Continue the conversation by sharing how you felt while you watched them “practice, practice, and practice some more” at a new skill.

Invite your child to hoof dance with you and Donkey Hodie! Start by singing about the movements for the dance:

"First, clomp, clomp, clomp your feet.

Then, spin, spin, spin around.

Finally, kick, kick, kick both legs."

Practice singing together. It might be hard to not move while you sing!

Next, try practicing the hoof dance together! Remind your child that it can take a lot of practice to learn something new. Try breaking the dance up into small portions. Practice each move separately. Try clomping first!

Now help your child try the next move — spinning! Support your child as they spin by humming or singing.

Finally, ask your child to practice the kicking move.

As your child practices each move, make adjustments if they are having trouble. For example, you might consider suggesting that your child practice smaller movements or having your child drum along with the song instead of dancing. Other variations could be clapping, nodding, swaying, or using a homemade instrument to keep the rhythm. Encourage your child to persevere even on the challenging parts, and explain that we can keep trying, even when we feel like giving up!

Once your child has practiced each step separately, ask them to try combining two moves. Then practice all three steps together. Celebrate your child’s perseverance as they work through the moves and have fun! Encouraging words, high fives, or dancing along are all great ways to show your child support.

Talk with your child about the family dancing activity, and ask which parts might have been the easiest or the most difficult for them. Encourage them to practice, and explain that this is how we can master new skills over time.