When I Was a Dinosaur
on Goodreads (49)
What’s inside...
When a little boy receives a dinosaur costume for his birthday, he is transported into a fantastical prehistoric world through his imagination. In this world, he encounters friendly Iguanadons and dangerous Tyrannosauruses, embarking on thrilling adventures. Welcome to Dinosaur Land, where imagination roams free and every corner holds a new adventure.
Age
3-7
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
How do you think you would feel if you were a dinosaur for a day?
What kind of dinosaur would you like to be and why?
What are some things that you would do if you were a dinosaur?
Can you think of ways dinosaurs are different from us?
How do you think the dinosaur felt in the story?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to use their imagination by asking them to visualize themselves as a dinosaur while discussing the book.
Use follow-up questions to dive deeper into your child’s thoughts and feelings about the story.
Connect the story to your child’s experiences by comparing the feelings and actions of the dinosaur to similar situations they might have faced.
Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas about books.
Make the conversation fun by pretending together that you are both dinosaurs discussing the story.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Empathy and Understanding
Explanation: The story allows children to imagine life as a dinosaur, helping them understand different perspectives.
Real-World Application: Children learn to consider how others feel and view the world, promoting compassion and empathy in their interactions.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The book encourages children to imagine themselves in a different time and as different creatures, fueling creative thinking.
Real-World Application: This imaginative play enhances problem-solving skills and innovation in real-world situations.
Example Lesson: Learning About Prehistoric Life
Explanation: Through the eyes of the dinosaur, children learn about prehistoric environments and the creatures that inhabited them.
Real-World Application: This knowledge can spark interest in scientific exploration and discovery, encouraging educational pursuits in natural history and science.
Example Lesson: Understanding Change and Adaptation
Explanation: The book discusses how dinosaurs adapted to their surroundings, offering a lesson on the importance of adapting to change.
Real-World Application: This helps children understand the value of adaptability and resilience in their personal lives, especially when facing new challenges.
Example Lesson: The Value of Storytelling
Explanation: The narrative form of the book itself teaches children the power and value of storytelling.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to create their own stories, enhancing their communication skills and emotional expression.