Homeschool syllabus: Dinosaurs

This June holidays, Ariel wanted to learn about Dinosaurs. Hah, Dinosaurs seem to be a favourite theme among many 5 year-olds. I'm reminded of the time when I was doing my 'hands-on' lesson plan with a preschool in Corvallis. It was a 5 year-old class and the theme then was Dinosaurs too! Dinosaurs sure bring back many fond memories! ;-)


As Ariel is also taking part in the Yamaha Electone Festival this June, I didn't have time to do a detailed lesson plan, not to mention getting all the materials needed. Many of the activities were rather impromptu, using materials that are commonly found at home. Paper cups and plates are the most used items. 


This time round, Ainsley, my 2.5 year-old is a lot more eager to join jiejie in the lessons. I find myself scrambling to keep the 2 girls with rather different interests occupied. Ariel loves drawing and colouring while Ainsley absolutely hates colouring! Well, guess I have only myself to blame for not thinking thoroughly over the lesson plan.

Nonetheless, I was surprised to see how Ariel is so interested in the lessons, such that she initiated the lessons daily. And what's amazing is that children are so eager to learn about the names of the dinosaurs, such that no matter how long the names are, they can remember it. Even Ainsley is able to pronounce Triceratops! Learning the names of dinosaurs is definitely a great way for them to learn phonics and spelling!!

Besides building their vocabulary (with regards to dinos), the theme can also be tied in with (1) The Animal World. What I did was: I linked the learning about Dinosaurs to the learning of different animals we have today. For eg. What are the characteristics of meat-eating dinosaurs? And look at the meat-eating animals we have today... what common characteristics do they share? Then, there're the dinos that have horns/armours to protect them from the enemies. Which animals also have armours? Or even, what are some of the animals that are extinct today?

I could also get them to (2) Imagine and think critically: Think about why all the Dinosaurs died? What could have caused their deaths? Then how did we know they exist when no one has ever seen them before? What would you call a new dinosaur if you discover a new set of fossil today? 


Last of all, through the various activities involved, motor skills are enhanced as they use plasticine/soft clay to make a dinosaur landscape. Ainsley was so adorable - she made her own little island for her dino. Sensory skills are also enhanced as they dig into the sand to look for fossils. We are really fortunate that a shopping mall also has a Dinosaur exhibition going on during one of the weekends and provided the materials we couldn't have at home, a sandpit for instance.

Overall, it's been a short but fun 2-week of learning. For our next holiday, i must be sure to include Ainsley while planning!