Dinosaurs

Dinosaurs are a very common theme that occurs regularly in early childhood - and I remember being fascinated with dinosaurs as a child.  It is worthwhile making resources for these re-occurring themes to engage children, foster a love of learning and fascination and wonder, and provide a range of different ways for children to learn.

I made up this super simple counting song in the shower - my thinking space! It is to the tune of 10 Little Indians...

Small World Play

One of my teachers found this set of dinosaurs on sale for only $12 so she grabbed them and set up this small world play area. It was simply some sand, dinosaurs, and she made signs by printing out the names of the dinosaurs and laminating them, and stuck them to craft sticks.  One of the children helped with the naming of each dinosaur (they have such incredible knowledge of these things!).

It was wonderful to see some children who are generally found playing in only one area, suddenly playing in the Dinosaur Kingdom, talking and making up stories, and sharing, co-operating and role playing with others.

Dinosaurs on the Playdough Table

This was simply dinosaurs, playdough (or dough made from cornflour), some plastic trees, a bowl of sand and a bowl of glitter.  You could add leaves, grasses, and sticks to this.

The dinosaurs stomped in the playdough soon after I set it up, leaving their footprints behind.  

Dinosaur Board Game

I created this Dinosaur Board Game to follow on with the children's love of board games and games, and their interest in dinosaurs.  I used a large(ish) piece of matboard, drew the tiles on it and the children coloured it in.  I printed off some pictures of dinosaurs, which the children cut out and stuck on where-ever they wanted.  The footprints pointing the other way means you have to move backwards if you land on them.  You need counters and dice, and you throw the dice and move your counter along the path until you reach the safety of the cave.  First person to finish, wins.