Dino Diggers

 

"You two dig up dinosaurs?" Jurassic Park. I used to show Jurassic Park to my classes for a couple of reasons. It related to my genetics unit, and it is one of my favorite movies. I can't wait to show it to my toddlers. To feed their dinosaur obsession and to prepare them for all of the Jurassic Parks, we attend dinosaur exhibits and have many dinosaur toys. Our 1-year old even gave the boys dinosaurs when she was born. The Easter bunny heard about their dinosaur collection and gave them dinosaur models to dig up and put together. 

Sitting around the dining room table with trays and tools in hand, our toddler boys started digging in clay blocks looking for dinosaur bones. My husband and I tried to help, but I observed and documented the activity. Their comments are below:

"This is only for kids." My 3-year old told me when I tried to brush clay away. 

"We are scientists." My 5-year old said excitedly. 

 

"I wish these dinosaurs were real." 5-year old comment. 

"I think I found teeth." 3-year old comment. 

"This is just like Curious George." My 5-year old likes to do most everything Curious George does. 

"Daddy, I can't work with your big hands." My 5-year old told my husband after he tried to help. 

"This is more fun than books." My 5-year old said refering to the Curious George dinosaur book.

"Mommy, be more careful." My 3-year old reminded me after I stabbed myself with the minature wooden digging tool. 

"Stop blowing off the dust." My husband continued to remind them when we were coughing through the dust fog. 

My husband and I super glued the dinosaur bones together, which was a real challenge because some leg bones were broken in the excavation. My 5-year old had a T-rex and my 3-year old had a triceratops. Instead of having the delicate models fight with each other, they settled for painting them.  

It's always such fun to try something new and see what the boys will say. Now if they would just be old enough to watch Jurassic Park.