Katie Alexander

O'Connor, J., & DiSalvo, D. (1997). Nina, Nina, star ballerina. New
York: Grosset & Dunlap.
Genre: Contemporary realism, picture storybook
Interest: K-2nd grade; lesson plan is for 1st grade
Theme: The importance of character and values, friendship
Plot Summary: Ninas dance class is putting on a show, and she is dancing
as one of the stars. When she tells her friend that she is a star, she thinks
that she is THE star. Nina has to tell her friend that she is not the star of the
show, and she hopes than Ann will still be her friend when she finds out. In
the end, Ann comes to her show and doesnt care if she is a star or the star;
she will still be Ninas friend.
PA Core Standards for English Language Arts:
1.3: Reading Literature: Students read and respond to works of literature with emphasis on comprehension, making connections among ideas and
between texts with focus on textual evidence.
CC.1.3.1.A Retell stories, including key details, and demonstrate
understanding of their central message or lesson.
CC.1.3.1.C Describe characters, settings, and major events in a story,
using key details.
1.4: Writing: Students write for different purposes and audiences. Students
write clear and focused text to convey a well-defined perspective and
appropriate content.
CC.1.4.1.B Identify and write about one specific topic.
1.5: Speaking and Listening: Students present appropriately in formal
speaking situations, listen critically, and respond intelligently as individuals
or in group discussions.
CC.1.5.1.B Confirm understanding of a text read aloud or information
presented orally or through other media by asking and answering questions
about key details and requesting clarification if something is not understood.
Materials:
Nina, Nina Star Ballerina: Jane
OConnor
Ballet tutu
Laminated photo cutouts from book
Trifold Book Board
Yellow construction paper

Scissors
String
Hole Puncher
Crayons
Markers

Procedures:
Introduction:
1. Transition/Motivation: Enter wearing a tutu and leotard and
introduce myself as Nina, a ballerina. Do the five ballet positions
and ask the class to do them with me.
2. Make a Connection: Think about a time when you were embarrassed
or worried to tell your friends something. How did it make you feel?
Did you tell your friends? Did that make you feel better or worse?
3. Introduce Book: Hold up the book, name Jane OConnor as the
author and DyAnne DiSalvo as the illustrator. Say: this is a story that
my friend Jane wrote about me one time that I had a ballet show.
4. Set Purpose for Listening and Thinking: While I tell the story, make
sure to listen for what Nina didnt want to tell her friends and how it
made her feel.
Development:
1. Tell the story and show the pictures as the book progresses.
2. Discussion:
a. What was Nina afraid to tell her friend? (She wasnt THE star
of the show)
b. Why was she Nina afraid to tell Ann that she was one of
multiple stars? (She was afraid Ann wouldnt want to be her
friend anymore)
c. Who convinces Nina to tell Ann? (her mom)
d. What happens when Nina tells Ann that she isnt the star of
the show? (Ann says she just wants to see her dance, and she
gives her a star necklace)
e. What did Nina learn in this story? (You shouldnt be afraid to
be who you are to your friends. They will accept you for you)
3. Guided Practice:
a. What are some qualities that make you a good friend?
Generate a class list: good listener, respectful, understand
others feelings, dont put people down, help friends solve
problems, trustworthy, care about others, share, talk and play
with friends, stick up for them, take turns.
b. In the book, Ann was a good friend because she accepted
Nina for who she was. She didnt care if Nina was not the star of
the show. Think of a quality that you have that makes you a
good friend. Talk about this with a partner then share with your
whole table.
4. Independent Practice:
a. Each child will receive a star and write two things that make
them a star friend.
Closure:
1. What did Nina learn throughout the story? How is this similar to your
life?
Follow- Up:

1. Children will go around the room and pick one reason they chose to
write down about why they are a star friend to say out loud. Their stars will
be hung around the room from the ceiling so the students are reminded of
ways to be a good friend.
References:
Standards came from the PA Department of Education website:
www.pdesas.org
http://www.goodcharacter.com/YCC/BeingFriends.html (list of friend
qualities)
Pictures are from the book
https://www.fancynancyworld.com/creators (Information about the
author)