Dinosaurs Everywhere!

Dinosaurs Everywhere!!!!! 

 I have always been amazed at how dinosaurs engage young children.  I remember the first time a pre-schooler started to tell me all the names of the dinosaurs in the classroom toybox.  Then I was even more impressed when he was able to point to the names of the dinosaurs on the classroom chart.  I wish I knew how to keep students engaged in this way in all of their learning.  

When I see students entering college underprepared and not motivated, I wonder what happened to turn them away from that enthusiastic learning I witnessed in toddlers.  

 

I do know that Jane Yolen and Mark Teague have truly captured the hearts of children and adults with their "How Do Dinosaurs..?" series.  I love each and every one of these books.  Mark Teague's illustrations are sheer genius.  He seems to know exactly what readers want to see in his artistry.  Jane Yolen's themes are humorous and eternal!

 ~K~

  

The "How Do Dinosaurs...?" series has become so popular among children and teachers because they can be used to teach a variety of topics and they are so much fun!  The repetition and the rhyme help keep children engaged in the books as they become excited to say the next line.  I love the labeled illustrations that allow us to learn the names of the dinosaurs.

These books are great for my son has so many dinosaur toys and figures.  We would try to find the toy version of the dinosaur that is on each page in the book.  Eventually he would play with his dinosaurs by having them reenact the scenes from the books.  He especially liked "How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night".  I think he realized that he acted similarly to some of those Dinos and it always made him laugh.

Counting books are always great to have around while children are learning their numbers.  Toddlers are so fast to show off what they have learned and "How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten" is a great way for them to show off their counting skills.  The objects in the book are ones that most children have and can easily be found so they can use the same objects as the dinosaurs to practice their counting.

~N~

Here are some ideas for the Dinosaurs in your life !

The titles link to the websites.

Start with a Book

Reading Rockets has an outstanding collection of themes, book lists (both fiction and nonfiction), and connected activities to use throughout the summer. Dinosaurs is just one of the many theme areas

Dinosaur Train

PBS offers a collection of dinosaur lesson plans.  These lesson plans use dinosaurs to help students explore the natural world.  The students apply scientific principles to develop a broader understanding of, and connection with nature.  These lessons are easily adaptable.

 

Dinosaur Desserts

Glorious Treats offers an adorable dessert of dirt, worms, and dinosaurs!

 

Wafflesaurus

Mom on Time Out created a wonderful after school snack.  I just love this!!!!

Paleontologist's Fare

Martha Stewart has created a recipe for Fossil Cookies which would be intriguing to bake and delicious to eat!

 

Grab Bag Fun

Math at Home provides a great counting lesson connected to "How Do Dinosaurs Count to Ten?"  There are many extensions as well.

 

 Dinosaur Terrarium

 Mandy at The Haps created this terrarium of dinosaurs.  She promises it will never die like a plant terrarium.      

Digging for Dinosaurs

The Naughty Secretary Club offers a tutorial for creating your own dinosaur dig in ice!  What a creative way to keep children cool and busy in the summer!

 

How Do Dinosaurs Sing?

Alphabet Soup lists many songs, poems, and fingerplays that can extend this theme.

 Dinosaur Party

Party Wishes created this wonderful tablescape for a Dinosaur themed party.  What a terrific idea!

"Good night.  Good night, little dinosaur."

Jane Yolen & Mark Teague, "How Do Dinosaurs Say Good Night?"

Linking to:

Poppins Book Nook
 
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Tasty Tuesday
Homemaking Party

Foodie Friday
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