As we finish up our dinosaur theme with Experience Preschool curriculum for this month, we set up for dinosaur habitat play. Throughout the month we’ve learned about paleontology, types of dinosaurs, dinosaur body parts, and Jurassic lands.
Dinosaur Habitat Play Shelf
Everyone has enjoyed our dinosaur theme but now towards the end, I wanted to make the world of dinosaurs come alive. This play shelf just pulls together toys and resources we’ve already had out and making them exciting again in a new way.
Our dinosaur habitat play shelf features:
I put some of the daily topic poster pictures on the back of the shelves to add to the theme.
- Jumbo dinosaurs
- Dinosaur Roar book
- grass mat
- Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree
- colored translucent pebbles
- plant
- basket of rattan balls
- Dinosaur Bones Match & Measure Set
- dinosaur cave playset
- volcano
- Rocks & Gems
- dinosaur skeletons
- Rock Letters
Below is our dinosaur cave and homemade tree (don’t laugh, just being creative with what we have!)
One shelf features dinosaur bones for the extinction concept, and the favorite Tyrannosaurs Rex.
On the volcano shelf, we have some red and orange colored pebbles and some rocks.
Setting up this dinosaur play world was fun! Just use whatever materials you have and be creative.
My group played at our dinosaur habitat play area very creatively, creating dinosaur families and stories. I just love seeing kids playing in small groups together for long periods of time, deeply engaged in their play.
We love our big Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree year-round because of the alphabet component, but also the feel it adds to our themed play space. Use the Chicka Chicka Boom Boom tree for rainforest, island or dinosaur themes too.
The favorite prop is probably the volcano. Also try making mini volcanos for a hands on sensory and science activity.
As an early childhood educator, I’m used to making things work and finding a way to use what I have. That’s why I love this play space – it combines all the awesome dinosaur resources we already have and presents them in an exciting way.
Natural Play Materials
Incorporating natural items into children’s play is always a goal of mine because they are open-ended, and offer a sensory benefit. Adding natural items to your play space is actually easy and inexpensive. Rocks, plants, shells, and sticks are readily available and easy to find around the home.
Preschoolers love dinosaurs and are naturally interested and drawn to them. Dinosaurs can be used to introduce new concepts like herbivore/carnivore, extinction, and paleontology. These ancient creatures invoke imagination and a love of learning so I hope you’re inspired to create your own dinosaur habitat play area!
More Dinosaur Activities
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I received curriculum from Experience Early Learning for honest and authentic stories resulting from my daily experiences using the curriculum. As a user of Experience Preschool for many years, I am pleased to share quality educational experiences. #sponsored #ExperienceEarlyLearning