D Is For Dinosaur

Introduce the letter D and its phonetic sound with a coloring page where students can cut and paste "D" words onto the letter.  Kids love dinosaurs, so what better way to supplement learning the letter D than with some dino-themed projects?  As your child cuts out each picture, be sure to stress the beginning letter sound.  For example, D says /d/, /d/, dog.  D says /d/, /d/, duck, etc.

For alphabet book crafts, transform your letter D into a keepsake dinosaur with this easy template.  For young learners, you may have to prep this craft by cutting out all the pieces for them.  For older learners, let them do all the cutting.  This craft is trickier than it looks.  The pieces have to positioned properly to make sure they all fit--this is a great way to teach your child about spacing. 

"Dot" is another D word, so try bingo dotting a dinosaur--another great fine motor skill!  No, it's not Barney--this one isn't nearly as annoying!  Just a reminder that bingo dotters tend to saturate paper, so be sure to have a craft blanket, newspaper, or clipboard underneath before your set your preschooler loose with the dotter!

Even cuter, this dinosaur template allows you to color a baby dino and show it hatching from an egg with one brass fastener.  Check your community's rec center for special Dino Days.  Some programs even offer dino digs, where kids can't dig through sand to find mini plastic dinosaurs, dinosaur eggs, and "fossils."  Click here for ten fun facts about dinosaur eggs.  Did you know most dinosaur eggs never got a chance to hatch?

Review your shapes with this worksheet, and then count and tally the shapes on a dino. 

Are you looking for fun books on dinosaurs to go with your lesson?  To teach important concepts to your little one about cleaning up his room, try How Do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms?  If your learner is older and interested in fun facts, a better selection is National Geographic's, Little Kids First Big Book of Dinosaurs.