Year 1 – the Dinosaur We’ve been doing lots of dinosaur-related songs and activities this half term. Here are some that you can do at home with your child.

Don’t Clap Dippy! Ask your child to pick four dinosaur names. Clap the names to them in any random order for your child to clap back. Every now and then clap the rhythm of ‘Dippy the Dinosaur’ – the challenge is for your child to recognise that rhythm and to not clap that one back. We’ve done this a few times in class, so your child should be familiar with the game. Mix it up by changing which other dinosaur names you use.

Dinosaur Chant Ask your child to teach you the actions to this chant, saying it in time to a steady pulse.

Spread your arms, way out wide Fly like a Pteranodon, soar and glide Bend to the floor, head down low, Move like long ago, Reach up tall, try to be Like eating from a tree Using your claws, grumble and growl, Just like Tyrannosaurus on the prowl!

Dinosaur Song Have a look at this song on the BBC school radio website and learn it with your child: https://www.bbc.co.uk/teach/school-radio/songs-dinosaurs-collection-page/zbwtmfr

Dinosaur Music Find objects around the house that could make suitable percussion instruments – e.g. pans, tubs, pencils, spoons etc. Listen to Fossils from Saint-Saens Carnival of the Animals (there are lots of recordings on YouTube). Encourage your child to tap a beat in time to the music. Explore different sounds by changing the ‘instrument’ or changing the way you are playing it. Tap half-speed, double-speed, loudly, quietly….

Have fun! 