Dinosaur Songs are a fantastic way to capture the imagination of young children. For educators seeking a fresh approach to music class, incorporating a dinosaur theme can make learning rhythm both fun and memorable. This lesson plan uses a simple dinosaur song and readily available bone props to get your kindergarteners stomping to the beat.
Unleashing Musicality with “Dinosaur Bones”
Inspired by the natural fascination children have with dinosaurs, this activity uses “dinosaur bones” – which can be plastic bones or even rhythm sticks – to explore rhythm in a hands-on way. The tactile nature of the bones enhances engagement, especially for kinesthetic learners. This approach is perfect for junior kindergarten and adapts easily to different classroom dynamics.
Plastic bones for rhythm activity
The core of the lesson revolves around a simple, repeatable dinosaur song. Start by teaching the song using body percussion, having children clap their hands or tap their knees to the rhythm. This familiarizes them with the melody and beat before introducing the bone props. Once the song is learned, distribute the “dinosaur bones.” Partnering students can encourage collaboration and sharing of resources, especially if bone sets are limited.
Dinosaur Bone Song: Lyrics and Rhythmic Exploration
Here’s a sample structure for the “Dinosaur Bones” song, easily adaptable to your preferred melody:
(Verse 1)
Dinosaur bones, dinosaur bones, (Tap bones gently together on each beat)
Tap them high and tap them low. (Raise and lower bones while tapping)
Dinosaur bones, dinosaur bones,
Listen to the rhythm flow! (Slight pause, then continue rhythm)
(Verse 2 – Optional: Dinosaur Eggs)
Dinosaur eggs, dinosaur eggs, (Shake shakers gently)
Shake them softly, shake them fast. (Vary shaking speed)
Dinosaur eggs, dinosaur eggs,
Musical sounds that last! (Sustain final shake)
Encourage students to experiment with different ways to play their bones. They can tap them together gently, create louder clacks, or even try to form simple shapes or letters with the bones on the floor, adding a visual element to the musical activity. Using a simple musical accompaniment, like a growly guitar sound on a keyboard or app, can further enhance the dinosaur atmosphere.
Plastic bones labeled for classroom use
This dinosaur song activity is more than just musical fun; it’s a multi-sensory learning experience. It combines music, movement, and tactile exploration, reinforcing rhythm concepts while tapping into children’s love for dinosaurs. Bring some prehistoric fun into your music class and watch your students roar with rhythmic delight!
