The Theme for November’s Reading to Kids Event is “Seasons & the Natural World”. The books are Kindergarten – “Because of an Acorn” by Lola M. & Adam Schaefer; 1st Grade – “Outside In” by Deborah Underwood; 2nd Grade – “The Tree in Me” by Corrina Luyken; 3rd Grade – “The Seeking Tree” by Jodi Dee filled with wonderful illustrations and a message of what can happen when nature is ignored; 4th Grade – “Little Monarchs” by Jonathan Case a great graphic novel; 5th Grade – “Thirst” by Varsha Bajaj. Check Out these books, Visit Your Library.
Our crafts varied from Nature drawings that included Tree Seeds to steps I provided for “How to Draw a Turkey”. I brought Tree seeds of Cedar deodar, Chorisia speciosa (Floss Silk Tree) and a Wisteria Vine for our crafts. Also, I provided the fuzzy seed pods from the Wisteria Vine and the Silk from Chorisia speciosa for the kids to see and touch. We used the seeds to make caterpillars in our forest.
When we asked the 3rd Graders about their favorite Tree, one said the Root Beer Tree. So, we learned about the Sassafras albidum Tree. The kids in our group where quite upset at what humans did to the Forest. With Kids attitudes like theirs, perhaps there is hope for the future of our Planet Afterall.
The Fall Colored Leaves from Liquidambar Tree aided with the Turkey Craft. One of the boys tore up the leaves to make colorful feathers for his Turkey. I’m always impressed at where the kid’s imagination takes them with the crafts.
While making the caterpillars for our forest, I realized the seed cones from the Cedar deodar tree could be used to make Monarch Butterflies the subject in the 4th Grade Book. So, I make some samples for the 4th Grade Readers and provided them seed cones for their groups. The 4th Graders had fun making Butterflies. One 4th Grader used the seed cones to represent bananas in his drawing! Always Fun to see how the kids use the materials in a unique way. I neglected to get pictures of kids work. I think I will have to write notes on the back of my hands “Take Pictures”!
But what might a Prehistoric Turkey look like? In the first “Jurassic Park” Movie a little boy condescendingly refers to a Raptor as a Giant Turkey. Dr. Alan teaches him about respect for what a terrifying creature that could be. So, taking cues from Raptors the Microraptor in particular, I came up with this idea. What do you imagine a Prehistoric Turkey would look like? Share Your drawings with me and maybe they will be in a future post.
I recently discovered some additional books that are great resources for learning about Dinosaurs & their Behavior, Paleo Art and Extinction Events. Check them Out at Your Library or purchase them for Your Own Library. I found mine own Amazon.
“What Was the Age of Dinosaurs?” by Megan Stine
“Dinosaur Behavior” by Michael J. Benton
“Mesozoic Art: Dinosaurs and Other Ancient Animals in Art” Edited by Steve White & Darren Naish
“Extinctions: How Life Survives, Adapts and Evolves” by Michael J. Benton
Corinne returned with her Husband – Mike & 2 more Grandkids – Kenzie & Lincoln. A Group photo with Sasha, followed by an inspection of David’s Teeth. Yes, they are sharp! I showed them fossils of Carcharodontosaurus, Spinosaurus, Raptor and Mosasaurus Teeth. They visited with all the Prehistoric Pals and Xiuhcoatl the Aztec Dragon of Fire & Lightening. I asked Corinne how many Grandkids she has and Corinne replied 14! So, 8 more of her Grandkids will be visiting the Park and then I suspect we will start over again. Every Day’s a Special Day at PaulsPrehistoricPark!
Stay Tuned for More Dinosaur Fun Facts, Fiction & Crafts!
Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Here are 3 of my favorites Museums. Remember Social Distancing & Masks to keep You & Others Safe while Everyone Enjoys Their Learning Experience. Consider a Membership with the Museum. In addition to Supporting Their Valuable Work there are Benefits to You. Special Preview Events for Members Only as well as Virtual Access Exclusive for Members. For more information and access to general public eLearning check out the links below.
The Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County www.nhm.org under Research & Collections / Digitized Collections will allow you to browse their Collections. Check out the latest Activities on their site.
The American Natural History Museum www.amnh.org You will find eLearning for Families, Students & Educators. Explore the Museum Virtually. Check Out SciCafe: Video Talks and Meet the Icons: Stories behind the Exhibits! There are Video Series covering Behind the Scenes at the Museum with Space & Dinosaur Explainers.
Chicago’s Field Museum www.fieldmuseum.org You can talk to “Maximo the Titanosaur” online, Yes Really! Visit Sue the largest T-Rex discovered! Check Out “Brain Scoop” and the Learning Resources – many are also in Spanish.
Check Out Your Libraries eBooks. My local Library has over 900 eBooks on Dinosaurs! Here are four books for Drawing Dinosaurs that you might find at your Library. Ask your Librarian about others.
1-2-3 Draw Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals A step by step guide by Freddie Levin (2001)
Draw 50 Dinosaurs and other Prehistoric Animals by Lee J. Ames (1977)
Draw it Dinosaurs by Patricia Walsh (2006)
I Can Draw Dinosaurs by Terry Longhurst (2003)
Stay Safe & Well.
Please Remember to Wear Masks & Social Distance as Appropriate Not everyone has been Vaccinated. And even vaccinated many Young & Old have compromised immune systems. Protect Yourself, Friends, Family & Everyone You Pass!
Thank You!
I used watercolors to make Dinosaur Designs on my N95 Masks. I couldn’t get a yes or no from 3M regarding any impact this might have to the effectiveness of the mask. Many Museums sell Dinosaur Themed Masks Check them Out!
“Encouraging the Appreciation of Art and Education through the Inspiration of Dinosaurs”
Paul & Prehistoric Pals
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