Simple ways to create a dinosaur themed classroom that little learners will love!
With so many ‘trends’ in classroom decor at the moment, we can often forget one key aspect to creating a fun filled classroom that motivates little learners – and this is to start with the interests of the children we teach.
And one such fascination that has stood the test of time, is a child’s unquestionable interest in learning about dinosaurs.
So on the blog today, I will share a few simple ways to set up a fun filled classroom environment, based on the all time favorite…
DINOSAURS
Setting Up a Dinosaur Themed Classroom
There are a few key things to keep in mind when setting up a dinosaur-themed classroom:
1. Make sure there is plenty of space for movement and imaginative play. dinosaurs are large creatures, so there should be plenty of room for little learners to move around in your classroom.
2. Incorporate different types of sensory experiences into the classroom. Sight, sound, touch, smell, and taste can all be used to create a rich learning environment for children.
3. Use replica models of dinosaurs and fossils to create an engaging and educational display in the classroom. This will help bring the theme to life and give children a chance to learn more about these fascinating creatures.
4. Have plenty of dinosaur toys available for children to play with. This will encourage them to use their imaginations and explore different ways of playing and learning.
5. Be sure to read lots of dinosaur books together as part of your curriculum. This will help improve literacy skills while also teaching children about these prehistoric animals.
6. Find some cute dinosaur themed costumes as low cost stores such as K-Mart or Target. This will provide children with hours of fun as they engage in dramatic play.
7. Set up a ‘volcano’ science station. Children love seeing things erupt, and there are so many fun and simple ways to create a volcanic eruption using baking soda and vinegar.
8. Create a fine motor dinosaur fossil play area. Use replica dinosaur bones, or mini dinosaur figures and hide them in a sand tray. Place with a few paint brushes and watch the wonder as children explore what is like to be a real ‘paleontologist’. Add photographs of real dinosaurs around the area to stimulate discussion and wonder amongst the children you teach.
9. Extend the learning into the outdoor learning environment by adding some larger scale dinosaur toys in a garden area for a real jurassic experience.
9. And finally – you can always use a dinosaur theme decor pack to totally transform your classroom into a prehistoric paradise!
When selecting a dinosaur themed decor pack, consider the colors you will use to create a cohesive and visually stimulating environment. A joyful color scheme is always a good choice for young learners. You can also incorporate some fun patterns into your design, just as polka dots have been incorporated in this dinosaur decor pack designed by Four Cheeky Monkeys (featured above and below).
ABOVE: this cute dinosaur themed classroom calendar available HERE is a simple yet effective way to teach children important early literacy and numeracy skills.
ABOVE: Achieve a fun-filled dino-mite classroom transformation with this adorable dinosaur themed classroom decor pack, available HERE.
Finally, don’t forget the details that will really bring your dinosaur classroom theme to life. Classroom bunting, banners, posters, and other decor elements (pictured above) can make all the difference in making your classroom feel like a true prehistoric paradise!