There comes a time in most kids' lives when they develop a fascination for dinosaurs.  

For some kiddos that fascination turns into a deep love.  

Such has been the case in our home.  

This passion led me to create this dinosaur unit with free printables. 

There's no better way to encourage a child learn than by following his interests!

Dinosaurs are one of Dinomite's most favorite things.  He has spent years reading dinosaur books and encyclopedias.  We have several documentaries as well.  

Putting this unit together was not the easiest task, as the material had to be challenging enough for Dinomite, but not too difficult for Bulldozer and Princess.

When creating printables and materials I had to be super careful to have my facts straight.  A few examples of this difficult task include: 

1.  The elimination of the Dimetrodon from activities because it's a mammal like reptile, that is actually NOT a dinosaur, and lived before the dinosaur times.

2.  Classifying a Pteranodon as a flying reptile, and NOT a dinosaur, because it's really not a dinosaur.

3.  The inclusion of sea monsters or marine reptiles in this unit.  After all, there were many other creatures that lived during the time of the dinosaurs. Dinomite has studied them all.

As you dig into the materials presented here, you'll notice this is much more than a dinosaur unit!  A big thanks to my husband Jason for helping create some of the printables.  I could not have put this unit together without him.  Let's get started!

Dinosaur Unit with Free Printables

Dinosaur Identification

The kiddos will match up the dinosaur figures with dinosaur and fossil cards.  Dinosaur figures used in this activity come from our Safari LTD Dinos Toob.  

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 1. This is a subscriber's only freebie.  To obtain your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Spelling Words

The kiddos will place a marker on the circle under the correct spelling of each word. Acrylic Stones are being used as markers on our shelves.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Language Printable Pack 1. This is a subscriber's only freebie. For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Syllables

This is the ultimate syllable practice and a great way to learn how to say all those difficult dinosaur names.  The kiddos will place markers on the correct syllable number.  Green Flat Marbles are used as markers for this activity.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Language Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Who Am I?

The kiddos will read the questions on the cards and match them up with the dinosaur picture cards.  Bulldozer won't be able to read them yet, so I'll be reading to him.  We did this together today and they had a blast.  I must say, they know far more about dinosaurs than I do.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Language Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Measuring Dinosaurs

The kiddos will select a card and measure the length of the dinosaur using their 12" Wood Ruler.  

Since we are inside, I only included dinosaurs up to 20 feet in length. However, there are cards of dinosaurs that are MUCH bigger included in the printable.  I'm hoping to take the kiddos to a large field and together measure one of the larger dinosaurs.

Source: We created the printable for this activity as part of the Dinosaur Unit Science & Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Egg Subtraction

The kiddos will subtract using eggs as counters, helping dinosaurs hatch.  Glass beads will be used as markers for the answer on each card.  The specific dinosaur themed eggs used in this activity are no longer available.  Any plastic Jumbo Easter Eggs will fit the Dino Babies.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of the Dinosaur Unit Math Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie. Follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Sorting

I must say this is the largest collection of cards we've created so far, all because of Dinomite's passion and knowledge of dinosaurs (and other prehistoric creatures).  You'll notice some of these cards in previously shown activities.  

The kiddos will sort the cards however they'd like.  I've included pronunciations on each card to help people (like me) who know very little about this world.

Source: We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Science and Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Dig

The kiddos will search through the Natural Sand to find Dinosaur Skulls.  They will match the skulls with the dinosaur and fossil cards provided.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Science and Culture Printable Pack 1. This is a subscriber's only freebie. For your free copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Sea Monster Identification

I must say, sea monsters fascinate me, once I actually learned what they were.  A dinosaur unit isn't complete without them in Dinomite's mind.  

The kiddos will search through the sensory bin looking for prehistoric sharks and other sea life to match up with picture and fossil cards.  

All of the kiddos really enjoyed this activity.  Bulldozer especially enjoyed playing in the sensory bin.  Various blue and clear Gemnique Glass Gems were used as filler in the sensory bin.

Source:  We created the printable for this activity as part of our Dinosaur Unit Science and Culture Printable Pack 1.  This is a subscriber's only freebie.  For your copy, follow the directions at the bottom of this post.

Dinosaur Shape Activity

The kiddos will use the shapes provided to make dinosaurs.  I've provided a picture guide, if needed to help initiate the creative process.

Source: This fabulous activity idea comes from Little Family Fun.  I printed out the picture at the top of the post to use as the guide.

Dinosaur Cutting Activity

The kiddos will practice cutting skills using felt, card stock, scrap book paper, ribbon, etc.

Dinosaur Puzzle

It's been a while since we've had a puzzle on the shelves. Hopefully the kiddos are successful at putting this Melissa & Doug Prehistoric Sunset Dinosaurs puzzle together.

Dinosaur Invitation to Play

The kiddos are so excited about this invitation to play. Dinomite and Bulldozer played with it for hours yesterday.  Such a great way to put their dinosaur knowledge to great use, as they played out scenes in their heads and even created a habitat for the dinosaurs.  

Contents include:

• Melissa & Doug Dinosaur Stamp Set
• Flat marbles
• Dinosaur cookie cutters from our Wilton 101 Piece Cookie Cutter Set
• Dinosaur figures from the Safari Ltd Carnivorous Dinos TOOB
• Safari Ltd Feathered Dinos TOOB
• Jumbo Colored Craft Sticks
• Various plant life figures from sets in our home
• Homemade play dough.   

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