There were many different types of plants during the Jurassic times. Dinosaurs were big and heavy, so they left big footprints in the earth. The kiddos created a path and dipped dinosaur feet in paint and made footprints on the path.  They were also encouraged to draw plants along the path they created.  We built words using letters l, e and v and stamped letters Ee, Ll and Vv.
They colored letter V coloring sheet, they were encouraged to cut red paper and glue on the V.  
They 2 year olds colored in their journals and the 3/4 year olds glued ovals in their journals.

You may think, geez, this is boring my child brings home the same name plate over and over. Well, there is so much more than just what you see on the name plate. To begin learning their name we use shapes and colored paper. They first learn to match up the letters, then they learn how to put name together without any prompts, then they start tracing the letters, and then start cutting out the shapes themselves and writing their name by themselves.
We work on their names daily! They are counting the number of letters in their name, they are learning colors, they are learning shapes, scissor skills, writing skills and eventually we start incorporating patterns when completing their name! They are also learning the letters and recognizing the names of their classmates. See the stages in the pictures! 

Volcanoes can look similar to a mountain. They can erupt, which usually causes lava to flow out of them. Erupting volcanoes are one reason why dinosaurs are extinct.  I explained that gases and hot lava come out of the top of a volcano. They were invited to watch what happens when you put vinegar and baking soda together. They were encouraged to draw a picture of the exploding volcano. They painted and a soufflé cup and used a napkin to create a volcano.
They took turns rolling letter cube, if they got a Vv, they wrote a Vv on their volcano. For math practice, they took turns rolling the die, identified the number and counted out that many lava rocks (links) and dropped them in the top of the volcano.

Dinosaurs had either two or four feet. Many dinosaurs had very big feet and left large footprints when they walked. They made Dino feet and stomped all over!
They drew dinosaur feet in their journals and used sticker to form the letter V. I cut dinosaur cards and they put back together!

Dinosaurs' bodies varied widely in size and shape. Some dinosaurs had large bodies and moved slowly, while others were small and quick. When paleontologists discover fossils, they use the imprints to learn more about dinosaurs' behaviors and their appearance. Museums build structures that display dinosaur skeletons to show how big or small they were. During this Invitation to Create, children used cotton swabs and glue to construct their own dinosaur models. Children used their spatial skills to determine how to build a structure.
We built letters using links and mini dinosaur erasers. I set out dinosaur body cards, they were encouraged to make different combinations of heads, bodies and tails to create a whole dinosaur. 

Dinosaur tails were different lengths. They helped with balance and allowed some dinosaurs to turn quickly. A dinosaur sometimes used its tail for protection against predators. They were given a sheet of paper and encouraged to color, they cut strips of paper and I showed each of them how to make a chain.  They did a great job putting their tails together!  We measured to see who had the longest tail.  
I placed chain links and dinosaur cards on the table, they were encouraged to match link colors to the dinosaur colors to create tails.
I drew a volcano in my journal and they were encouraged to draw their own volcano! 

Play is a vital part of a child's development. When kids play, they are actively learning and developing a wide range of skills that are crucial for their overall growth and well-being. Play is a fundamental and natural way for children to make sense of the world around them and build the foundational skills that will serve them throughout their lives. They are learning how to share, regulate their feelings. and how to negotiate with others. When they make a mess, it is ok!  They also learn how to clean up once playtime is over. The younger children in our care (2 years and under) spend a good portion of their day playing! The preschool age children (3 years and older) have some structured time but also have the opportunity to play. The preschool children continue learning social skills so they are prepared for kindergarten.  Play is important! 

Dinosaurs heads were many different sizes and shapes. They all had eyes and mouths. They created a dinosaur headband today. They were encouraged to cut out teeth and attach to the headband. 
We played Dino Roll & Match as a small group. They rolled the cube, identified the dinosaur and find the match on the game board. We also made patterns dinosaur cards. 
I game them several different shapes, they were encouraged to create a dinosaur.  
In their journals they drew V's and were encouraged to make a large V and add teeth! They played with play dough, using links and other play dough tools. 

All dinosaurs were hatched from eggs. The eggs varied in size depending on the type of dinosaur. We discussed what we saw on the Inspiration Photo.  What do you notice about the egg photo? How will you decorate your dinosaur egg?  Will you keep your egg whole or cut/tear into pieces?  They colored their eggs and they all chose to cut/tear their eggs and put back together like a puzzle. They colored the letter E coloring sheet.
They glued the number 10 in their journals and were encouraged to draw 10 circles or dots on the page. The younger children colored with a purple crayon in their journals. 
I set out eggs, links, stacking stones and dinosaurs for them to use their imaginations!  They shared, stacked, sorted, counted and placed links and dinosaurs in their eggs.

The Triceratops had three long horns on its head. This dinosaur walked on four legs and ate plants. There are some dinosaurs that stand out among the rest because of their unique and distinguishing physical features. For example, the Triceratops had three horns on its head to help defend itself from predators and the T. Rex was a towering dinosaur with a powerful jaw and very short arms. During this Invitation to Create, children used the stenciling technique to create an image of a dinosaur with paint and sponges. Through this process, children explored an artistic technique and demonstrated self-expression.
As a group, they took turns choosing a dinosaur card, and stated if it was a meat-eater or a plant-eater. If the dinosaur is a leaf eater, they were encouraged to write the letter L on the leaf.
They colored and cut out letter Ee and glued in their journals. ​