Dinosaurs

[shellroiz]

I need any ideas for dinosaur theme - art, songs, games, science.

[kat]

Check back tomorrow. I have some things for you, but don't have time right now. I will post by end of today.

[kat]

shellroiz,

Sorry it took me so long to get this up, but hey, life happens. Post questions early. :lol:

I always put out books in my library corner. Some favorites are: A Night in the Dinosaur's Graveyard by A.J. Wood, Ten Little Dinosaurs by Pattie Schnetzler, Dinosaur Bones and My Visit to the Dinosaurs by Aliki.

I put out a large sandbox with hidden dinosaurs and dinosaur bones (these came in Happy Meals once upon a time).

We make fossils in play doh and the following clay recipe: 4 cups baking soda, 2 cups cornstarch, 2 and 1/2 cups water.
1. Over a low fire, mix the baking soda and cornstarch in a large saucepan. Add the water slowly to prevent lumping, and stir well.
2. Cook six minutes. or until the mixture has the consistency of mashed potatoes.
3. Spread on a cookie sheet to cool. Cover with a damp dish towel.
4. Knead for 10 minutes. If desired, add food coloring. Store in an airtight container. (makes enough clay for 20 fossils.)

Along the lines of fossil digging, I give each child a chocolate chip cookie. The cookie is the earth, the chocolat chips are the fossils. Using a toothpick, they try to carefully "dig" out the fossil without damaging it.
Then they get to eat everything.

Usually around Easter you can buy chocolate eggs with gummy dinosaurs inside. I buy those and then after we've eaten the chocolate, we make a graph of the different dinosaurs we found.

We have a dino center with dino figures. the kids like to bring their on Jurrasic Park things too.

We watch the Land Before Time.

The Land Before Time computer game by Sound Source Interactive

File Folder Games: Mammals, Reptiles, Birds Sort; Measure bones using both standard and non-standard measuring devices; Matching dino fronts and backs; etc.

Songs:
My Name is Stegosaurus

chorus
My name is Stegosaurus, I'm a funny-looking dinosaur.
For on my back are many bond plates
And on my tail there's more.

Verse
My front two legs are very short. My back two legs are long.
My body's big, my head is very small. I'm put together wrong.
(Repeat chorus.)

Stegosaurus
(A modern day rap)

I wear an armor coat,
And it's protecting me,
From all the other dinosaurs
That I see.

But if they do something
That I don't like,
I may have to scare 'em
with my sharp tail spike!

If they don't mess with me
Then they'll make out OK,
As long as they remember
to get outta my - outta my - outta my way!

Hope you can use some of the ideas.

[bethany]

A few dinosaur ideas: Freeze small dinos in tubs of water and let them use plastic hammers to dig them out....we also put giant dino foot prints made out of construction paper leading to our room and inside...read the book "if the dinosaurs came back" and let the children dictate their own ideas of what would happen...make dinosaur people Ex. I would be a bethceratops etc....go on a dinosaur hunt and at the end have a basket full of dinosaur eggs (plastic easter eggs with tiny dinos inside)...

[Diane]

I have to continue this onto another post... the board say's I have too much! LOL

Preschool Activities about Dinosaurs
Dinosaur Fingerplay
During this early childhood fingerplay by Lisa G. children will learn some key facts about dinosaurs.
The Dinosaurs
The dinosaurs lived long ago, when life on earth began.
(gesture palm up wave over your shoulder)
Some were tall (gesture high).
Some were small (gesture low).
Some liked water (gesture swimming).
Some liked land (gesture walking by alternating palms on your knees).
Pteranadons had leathery wings (gesture flying).
Brontausaurs, long necks (gesture to neck).
But the meanest dinosaur of all (gesture mean face).
Was Tyranosaurus Rex (gesture heavy stomping by alternating
palms on your knees).

Comments: Ham it up!


Digging For Bones
During this dinosaur activity from the students of Conval H.S. preschool children learn about different types of dinosaurs and piece together puzzles.

Materials: Dinosaur puzzle pieces made out of cardboard, sand in sensory table and utensils for digging.

Description: Draw a picture of various dinosaurs cut up into puzzle pieces place the pieces in the sand in the sensory table. Allow the children to dig for the puzzle pieces as if they were digging for dinosaur bones. As they find the pieces they can put together the puzzles.

Dinosaur Puzzles
Here's an idea for making dinosaur puzzles from Cameilla.

Materials: Pictures of dinosaurs, color, laminate and cut into halves.

Description: The children put together the dinosaurs. You could also use this for a flannel board activity.
Comments: The children love it!

Dinosaur Stomp
Even very young preschoolers will enjoy this dinosaur movement large motor activity by Stephanie D. who says, "The sacks are slippery so do this on carpet."

Materials: Paper sacks and masking tape.

Description: Place the sacks on the feet of the children. Tape to secure. Help the children stand up and allow them to stomp and growl to their hearts content!!

[Diane]

I STILL have continue this onto another post. (sorry) The board won't accept all of it at once. :)

Dinosaur Puzzles
Here's an idea for making dinosaur puzzles from Cameilla.

Materials: Pictures of dinosaurs, color, laminate and cut into halves.

Description: The children put together the dinosaurs. You could also use this for a flannel board activity.
Comments: The children love it!

Dinosaur Stomp
Even very young preschoolers will enjoy this dinosaur movement large motor activity by Stephanie D. who says, "The sacks are slippery so do this on carpet."

Materials: Paper sacks and masking tape.

Description: Place the sacks on the feet of the children. Tape to secure. Help the children stand up and allow them to stomp and growl to their hearts content!!

Land Of The Dinosaurs
Teachers can enhance a Dinosaur Theme with this idea from Diana L.

Materials: Wrapping paper with dinosaurs on it. Colored paper, marker and tape.

Description: Teachers take dinosaur wrapping paper and cover your entrance door with it. Use colored paper and write LAND OF THE DINOSAURS on it then attach to door also.

You can also make construction paper foot prints or chalk footprints that lead to your room. If you use construction paper use contact paper to attach to floor then just peel up when done with them.

Passport Back In Time
Promote learning about dinosaurs with this toddler, pre-k and kindergarten activity by Diana L.

Materials: Egg shaped stamp, a stamp of each dinosaur you are learning about. You can buy them or make your own out of foamies by cutting a dinosaur shape and gluing it to a block of wood. Ink for the stamps. Paper to make each child a passport with enough pages for each dinosaur you are going to learn about. Paper to make a passport holder.

Description: Make a passport holder by folding a sheet of paper up from the bottom about three inches, tape or staple to make a pocket (can make two pockets per sheet of 8x11 paper or use a large sheet and make them in a row together out of the same piece). Each child needs a pocket for their passport.

Each child needs a passport. You can make one by cutting paper and stapling it on the side like a book. Size about 3" wide and 4" tall. Put child's name on the passport. I had two passport holders one outside the door and one inside the door. In the morning when child arrives the child finds their passport and brings it into the
room. It is then stamped with a egg shape on the top of the page. The child then puts it into the passport holder in the class room.

We learned about a new dinosaur each day. At the end of the day we stamped the dinosaur they learned about on the same page near the bottom and the child put it into the outside passport holder when they went home (for the next day).


5 Dinosaur Song
Combine music, counting and dinosaurs in this action song / chant by Michal.

5 Dinosaurs driving in their cars (drive your car)
Having a really good time!
They said "step on the gas (step on your gas!)
We'll go really fast" and they did!
Until, kerchunk, kerchunk, kerchunk.
(On each kerchunk, sink lower and lower until you
are crouched on the ground)
One had a flat tire!
And he said "You go on without me!" (Cup hands over mouth)
So there were, 4 dinosaurs, driving in their cars etc. etc. until

1 dinosaur driving in his car
Having a really good time.
He said "step on the gas,
I'll go really fast!" And he did!
Until kerchunk, kerchunk, kerchunk.
He had a flat tire!

*spoken*
Now this was a smart dinosaur.
He jacked up his car (jack up your car! Crank crank crank)
Took off the flat tire (take off that heavy tire!)
Took out his spare tire (take out that heavy spare!)
Jacked it back down (crank crank crank)
Then he drove around and picked up all his friends
And then there were...

5 dinosaur driving in their car
Having a really good time.
They said "Step on the gas
We'll go really fast" and they did!
Over the hills and far away!

Comments: If you get really into the motions, the kids love this
song! We sing it every day of Dino Camp!

Dinosaur Egg Hunt
Encourage toddlers, pre-k and kindergarten children to identify and match dinosaurs with this preschool
Materials: Small and large toy dinosaurs, plastic eggs (the ones from LEGGS pantyhose work the best), digging utensils and sand.

Description: Teachers put the small dinosaurs into the plastic eggs and bury them in the sand area. The children are then encouraged to dig up the eggs, hatch them, and find the matching large dinosaur (the babies mommy or daddy).

Comments: The children are very excited when they find the eggs, and are eager to hatch them. It really is a lot of fun!

[Diane]

I hope this helped. :)


Dino Craft
Introduce dinosaurs and fossils to preschool children with this craft activity by Elisa H.

Materials: Macaroni, spaghetti, construction paper cut out in a dinosaur shape and the sand table.

Description: Teachers first read a book about dinosaurs. Then
say, "We are going to find some bones." Dig pasta out of the sand table, let each child find ten pieces or something and "put the bones together " by gluing the pasta on the construction paper to represent a dinosaur skeleton.
Comments: Dark colored paper works best!

Science: Dinosaur Environment
This dinosaur lesson plan by Leah E. enhances science curriculum and helps children learn about where dinosaurs lived.

Materials: Playdough - we made it chocolate scented to look like mud, juice can, plastic dinosaurs and plastic plants, blue gel glue and rocks. I got a bag of dinosaurs and plants for under $2 at Walmart.

Description: First we read the book "Dazzle the Dinosaur". Then we discussed where Dazzle lived and why the dinosaurs wanted to return to the cave. We discussed real dinosaurs and
pretend dragons.

Next, we used the bottom cardboard from a case of soft drinks, I sprayed it black and green. The kids used playdough for mud and dirt, added rocks and plants and used the blue gel glue for a watering hole. We also covered a small juice can with playdough for a volcano. Then, we put the environment on display for the week and on friday we had a "dino" party and made the volcano explode using a mixture of vinegar and baking soda.

Have extra vinegar and baking soda available the kids wanted to see the volcano explode several times and they wanted to show the parents at pickup time also.
***** I added red food color to the vinegar ******

Measure up to Dinosaurs
Preschool and kindergarten children compare their size to that of a dinosaur during this activity by Bridget.

Materials: A book about dinosaurs with sizes included, masking tape, and a tape measure.

Description: Check the sizes of various dinosaurs in the dinosaur book, then use the tape measure to measure out the distance across the floor. Use the masking tape to create a line on the floor the same distance as measured.

I usually use two or three dinosaurs: to show a small one and a large one, like T-Rex or Apatasaur and a smaller dinosaur. I mark
the name of each dinosaur next to the tape line and then have the children lie down at the end of the tape line and mark their name off at where they measure against the line. When finished the children can see how tall or long they were compared to the dinosaurs.
Comments: I have found that the children really enjoy this activity and are very eager to show the results to parents. The longest dinosaur I have ever used to measure against was an Apatosaurus and the tape line extended the entire length of a hallway and into another room! The other teacher, let us borrow the room
for the activity.

Dinosaur Song
During dinosaur activities, preschool children have fun singing this action song by Debbie.

Dinosaur, Dinosaur, Dinosaur
(Improvise a tune)
Never go to lunch with a dinosaur, dinosaur, dinosaur.
Never go to lunch with a dinosaur,
They're a mean, foul, nasty bunch.
They burp and slurp and never sit down,
Never sit down, never sit down.
They burp, and slurp and never sit down.
They're likely to step in your soup!

Comments: A very cute song! Once you've sung it, the kids will want to sing it again and again.
Dino Footprints
Here's an easy art activity by Debbie that even toddlers can complete.

Materials: Paint, construction paper, and children's fists.

Description: Dip the bottom of the child's fist into paint and print on paper. Next, dip the thumb into paint and print around the fist print (the thumbprints represent toes).
Comments: The children love it!

Playdough Dinosaurs
Preschool children use fine motor coordination and creative skills during this early childhood activity by Pamela D.

Materials: Playdough of different colors, different plastic dinosaurs and 5x7 piece of poster board.

Description: Playdough helps strengthen the muscles in children's hands and at the same time is very enjoyable for them to play with.

To start I make several different colors of playdough out of a home made recipe. Before I start this project I have had the children sit down and draw their favorite dinosaur on paper. We have already discussed the different parts of a dinosaurs body: legs, head, neck, tail, spikes, horns, etc. Now we are ready for the fun part!

1. Put a plastic dinosaur in middle of each table.

2. Give each child a piece of poster board and let them pick out any color or colors of playdough. I provide enough playdough so that the children can easily shape at least three balls.

3. Tell the children to create their own dinosaur and name it.

4. Put the dinosaur on the poster board and write on it what the child named it. Also make sure the child's name is on it too. I like to display the dinosaurs out in the hallway and then I send them home.
Comments: Remember whatever the child names the dinosaur is great!! DO NOT change it in any way or form. Also do not change what they make even if it doesn't look like a dinosaur. They are always proud of what they create. This is their creation, not yours.

Dinosaur Dig
Jo M. shares this early childhood activity saying, "When studying dinosaurs or fossils, try this fun activity."

Materials: Chicken bones, thoroughly cleaned. Tools for digging, sand table or sand area.

Description: Teachers clean chicken bones thoroughly, add a few drops of bleach to the water, if you would like. In your sand center or sand area, bury the bones and give children digging tools, small brushes, toothpicks etc. and have them dig up bones!

Dinosaurs

Spread your arms, way out wide,
Fly like a Pteranodon, soar and glide.
Bend to the floor, head down low,
Move like Stegosaurus, long ago.

Reach up tall, try to be
As tall as Apatosaurus eating on a tree.

Using your claws, grumble and growl
Just like Tyrannosaurus on the prowl.

Story time reading: Patrick's Dinosaurs by Carol Carrick.

Dinosaurs and More
During this preschool activity by Kari K. kindergarten children
distinguish dinosaurs from present day animals. Kari also stresses that damage to an animal habitat my threaten the survival of the
animal.
Materials:
Pictures of dinosaurs, pictures of present day animals on the
endangered species list, poster board, glue, scissors.

Description:
Teachers, in advance, glue the pictures on the poster board and cut them out individually. Invite the children to join you either at a table or on the floor. Explain to them that they are going to get to pretend that animals can talk.

Steps:
1. Show the children the pictures. Ask them which dinosaur and animal they want to talk with.

2. Hold up the dinosaur and animal pictures and begin a conversation between them. For example:
The animal, "Hey, I haven't seen you around here before."
The dinosaur, "I lived here a long time ago." etc.

3. Continue the dialogue, including facts about each
animal / dinosaur, especially the fact that the present day animal is an endangered species.

4. Have the animal and/or dinosaur ask the children questions.

5. Encourage the children have asked all their questions.

6. Continue until the children have asked all their questions.

7. Have the dinosaur and animal tell the children good bye.

Dinosaurs: Be a Paleontologist!
During this early childhood activity by Linda M. children learn about fossils and paleontologists.

Materials: Sand, clean chicken or turkey bones and Plaster of Paris.

Description: Teachers can have children become a paleontologist
(a scientist who specializes in finding and studying ancient fossil remains) by bringing clean chicken or turkey bones to school. Place each bone in wet, packed sand to make an imprint. Remove the bone and pour Plaster of Paris into the imprint (or mold). Let it harden and then remove it from the sand. Have the children label and display their fossils.
Comment: Lots of fun!

[Diane]

Rhyme: Dinosaurs
Subtracting Numbers

Five enormous dinosaurs
Letting out a roar--
One went away, and
Then there were four.
Four enormous dinosaurs
Crashing down a tree--
One went away, and
Then there were three.

Three enormous dinosaurs
Eating tiger stew--
One went away, and
Then there were two.

Two enormous dinosaurs
Trying to run--
One ran away, and then there was one.

One enormous dinosaur,
Afraid to be a hero--
He went away, and
Then there was zero.

Dinosaurs Puppets: Creative Expression
Young children use fine motor skills and their imagination when participating in this early childhood activity by Linda M.
Materials: Paper bags and items to decorate bags like dinosaurs.

Description: Teachers provide children with paper bags and ask them to create puppets that represent their favorite dinosaurs. Next, have the children put on puppet shows with their friends or alone.
Comment: A big hit!

Dinosaurs
Kristine encourages young children to work independently and as a small group while developing their creative and fine motor skills during this preschool activity about dinosaurs.
Materials:
Large sheet of white butcher paper, depending on the size you want your mural. Pictures of dinosaurs that the children can color,
glue, crayons, green and brown construction paper.

Description:
After several discussions and lessons about dinosaurs, make
available several print-outs of various dinosaurs (I found several on the internet). Allow the children to chose one or two to color and cut out, remind them they don't have to cut right on the lines if they are highly detailed, they can cut a circle around them.

Next, tape the butcher paper to a large table. Let the children chose what scene they want to color on the paper. I helped out a little by drawing and outline of water with blue and mountains of brown. Two boys wanted a volcano so I helped with an outline.
They can then color it in working as a team. The volcano was great, with lava spewing into the air.

I guided them to use scraps of brown construction paper to twist into tree trunks and we tore paper to make fern like leaves for the trees. We then glued all of the details to the mural. They even added black balls of paper for rocks and lava from the volcano. Each child chose where their dinosaur might live, air, water or land.

[Kes]

I did a dinosaur project a few years back and I must admit the 4-5 year old knew more about them than I did . I buried cleaned bones in a sand tray and got the kids to dig them up with brushes and small scoops. They had a wonderful time excavating. also we made plaster of paris foot print moulds the made some of our own feet. We discussed skin types and created papier mache replicas and discussed our own skin. We discussed sounds of dinos and used musical instraments then discussed rhythm, tone, volume. We discussed size (the smallest dino was chicken size the largest well a T Rex) and created a cave from sheets. we discussed vegetation of the Jurasic period and then grew plants. Each activity I turned from dinosaurs (their interest) into a learning outcome. We used plastic dinos in playdough and they made caves.
We accessed books from the library (Land before time had just come out) Walking with Dinosaurs video is good. There is a song, will get it next time about the Dinosaur Brigade. We learnt all the names and their favourite was Parasaurolophus. Hope this is a help.