Objective
By the end of this lesson, the toddler will be able to identify and name different types of dinosaurs and engage in basic reading activities related to dinosaurs.
Materials and Prep
- Dinosaur books or printouts
- Flashcards with dinosaur names and pictures
- Construction paper
- Markers or crayons
Activities
- Introduction to Dinosaurs: Show the toddler different dinosaur pictures or read a dinosaur book together. Discuss the names and characteristics of each dinosaur.
- Dinosaur Flashcards: Use the flashcards to play a game of memory or matching. Lay out the cards facedown and take turns flipping them over to find pairs of matching dinosaurs.
- Dinosaur Name Art: Help the toddler write or trace the names of different dinosaurs on construction paper using markers or crayons. Encourage them to decorate the paper with drawings of dinosaurs.
- Dinosaur Storytime: Read a dinosaur-themed storybook aloud to the toddler. Pause occasionally to ask questions about the story or the pictures.
- Dinosaur Hunt: Hide dinosaur toys or pictures around the room. Encourage the toddler to find and name each dinosaur they discover.
Toddler Grade Talking Points
- "Dinosaurs lived a long, long time ago. They were big animals that looked different from the animals we see today."
- "Some dinosaurs had long necks, like the Brachiosaurus. Can you say 'Brachiosaurus'?"
- "Tyrannosaurus rex was a big dinosaur with sharp teeth. It was a meat-eater. Can you say 'Tyrannosaurus rex'?"
- "Stegosaurus had spikes on its back. It was a plant-eater. Can you say 'Stegosaurus'?"
- "Dinosaur names can be long and tricky, but it's fun to learn them. Let's practice saying 'Triceratops' together!"