Lesson Plan: Dinosaurs
Grade Level: Preschool / Nursery
Duration: 30 Minutes
Objectives
- Introduce young learners to the concept of dinosaurs.
- Explore different types of dinosaurs and their characteristics.
- Encourage imaginative play and creativity through dinosaur-themed activities.
Materials Needed
- Picture books about dinosaurs
- Dinosaur figurines or plush toys
- Construction paper
- Crayons, markers, and colored pencils
- Sensory bins with sand and dinosaur toys
- Dinosaur coloring sheets
Lesson Outline
Introduction (5 Minutes)
- Begin the lesson by gathering the children in a circle.
- Show them a picture book about dinosaurs (e.g., "Dinosaurs Love Underpants").
- Ask engaging questions:
- "Who has seen a dinosaur before?"
- "What do you think dinosaurs looked like?"
Direct Instruction (10 Minutes)
-
Introduce the different types of dinosaurs:
- Tyrannosaurus Rex: Big and scary!
- Brachiosaurus: Tall and gentle!
- Stegosaurus: Has plates on its back!
-
Show images or figurines of each dinosaur, discussing their characteristics, such as size and diet (herbivore vs. carnivore).
Interactive Activity (10 Minutes)
- Dinosaur Movement Game:
- Play a game where children mimic different dinosaurs as you call them out. For example, stomp like a T. Rex or stretch like a Brachiosaurus.
- Encourage them to make their own dinosaur sounds.
Craft Activity (5 Minutes)
- Dinosaur Coloring and Crafting:
- Hand out coloring sheets with dinosaurs for children to color.
- For those who want to, provide construction paper to create dinosaur shapes. Help them cut out and decorate their dinosaurs with crayons and markers.
Conclusion (5 Minutes)
- Gather the children back into a circle.
- Invite them to share their favorite dinosaur and what they learned during the lesson.
- Conclude with a simple song about dinosaurs (e.g., to the tune of "The Wheels on the Bus"):
- "The dinosaurs stomped through the land, through the land..."
Assessment
- Observe children’s participation during discussions and activities.
- Review their coloring sheets and creations to assess understanding of different dinosaurs and their features.
Extension Activities
- Provide dinosaur-related literature for reading corner.
- Create a dinosaur-themed sensory bin with sand, rocks, and dinosaur figures for free play.
- Organize a "Dinosaur Day" where children can dress up as their favorite dinosaur.
Notes
- Ensure to accommodate any allergies or sensitivity with materials used.
- Adapt activities to be inclusive for all students, considering varying levels of physical ability.
References
- "Dinosaurs Love Underpants" - Claire Freedman
- "National Geographic Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs" - Catherine Hughes
This lesson plan engages preschool children with hands-on activities and creative play centered around the exciting topic of dinosaurs, promoting learning through exploration and imagination.