Letter D: Dinosaur Stamps, Mini Dinosaur Counter Activities, Homemade Dinosaur Fossils, Magic Dinosaur Eggs & Hunt (Day 4)

1) D is for Dinosaur: Easton loves stamps, so I knew this would be a fun activity for him! You'll need:

• Dinosaur Stamps 
• Block Letter D on white paper
• Green construction paper

1. Print or draw a big letter D on a piece of white paper
2. Let your child stamp the paper 
3. Cut out the letter D and glue it onto green construction paper
4. Hang on the fridge as a reminder of your letter this week!

2) Mini Dinosaur Counter Activities: The remainder of our activities use Dinosaur Counters. The set comes with 108 dinosaurs in six colors and six types. A booklet is included, which tells you about each of the dinosaurs. I found these amazing Dinosaur Printables from Preschool Mom - Dinosaur Color Match, Classifying, Numbers Activity and Pattern Strips. Choose your favorite activities to do today.

Here is a list of ways to use the dinosaur counters:

• Pretend Play: If the dinosaur counters are new for you, allow your child some time to play with them before moving on to the other activities. Talk about each of the dinosaurs - colors, characteristics, meat/plant eaters, sharp teeth, etc.

• Dinosaur Color Match: Grab a large handful of dinosaurs (too many can seem overwhelming!) and match them to their color cards. 

• Classifying Dinosaurs: Grab a handful of dinosaurs and match them to their correct cards. When we first started the series, Easton could only classify two of the dinosaurs, so I only brought those two cards.

• Dinosaur Numbers: Draw numbers 1-10 (or whatever numbers your child is working on) on separate pieces of paper. Place the same amount of dinosaurs on the number. 

• Dinosaur Patterns: We are working on ABAB patterns. Instead of the pattern cards, you can set up patterns on your own. "T-rex, triceratops, t-rex, triceratops, t-rex, triceratops. What comes next?" 

• Make Dinosaur Fossils: You can either stamp the dinosaurs in play dough or make homemade dinosaur fossils from Design Dazzle (pictured below). You'll need: 2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water and brown liquid watercolor (optional). 

1. Mix the water and brown watercolor together in a large bowl. Add the flour and salt.
2. Roll the dough out to 1/2 inch thick.
3. Use a cup to make circles in the dough.
4. Stamp your dinosaur.
5. Place the fossils on a cookie sheet and bake at 200 degrees for 2-3 hours.

• Frozen Dinosaur Eggs from The Pleasantest Thing: We are making Frozen Insect Eggs for Letter I, so we are going to wait to make these in a few weeks. You'll need: Balloons, mini dinosaur counters, water, food coloring, eye droppers, salt.

1. Squeeze a drop or two of food coloring into a balloon.
2. Place a mini dinosaur counter inside.
3. Fill the balloon up with water (use a funnel or straight from the tap/hose).
4. Tie the balloon and put it in the freezer overnight.
5. When you're ready to play, cut the balloons and you'll have a frozen dinosaur egg! 
6. Excavate the eggs with tools or warm water & salt in an eye dropper. 

• Magic Dinosaur Eggs from Growing a Jeweled Rose: My plan is to hide big dinosaurs as well as eggs around the yard. These eggs look amazing. You'll need: mini dino counters, baking soda, water, food coloring, and vinegar. Optional: magnifying glass, sticks (to excavate), and a spray bottle (for vinegar).

1. Add desired amount of baking soda in a large bowl.
2. Slowly add in water until it creates a mixture that is damp and mold-able, but not too wet.
3. Place some dough in your hand and lay a dinosaur on top. Add more dough covering the dinosaur and form the dough into an egg shape.
4. Set the eggs on a baking sheet and have them dry overnight.