Dragons of the Prime: Poems About Dinosaurs
What’s inside...
Dragons of the Prime is an anthology of poems dedicated to dinosaurs, capturing their essence during the Jurassic era and reflecting on both recent discoveries and past human conceptions. The poets bring dinosaurs to life, making them relatable and present while exploring whimsical questions and pondering their realities. From what a baby diplodocus might pray for, to the size of a dinosaur's egg, this collection invites readers to engage with these majestic creatures in a personal and imaginative way.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-8
Length
118 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it felt like to live in the time of dinosaurs?
If you could be friends with one of the dinosaurs from the poems, which one would you pick and why?
How do you think the world has changed since the dinosaurs lived?
What feelings do you experience when you read about these prehistoric creatures?
Which poem was your favorite and can you explain what you liked about it?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before starting a conversation, read the poem again with your child to refresh their memory and enhance focus.
Encourage your child to imagine the world of dinosaurs by asking them to draw their favorite scene from a poem.
Show genuine interest in their responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Link discussions to recent activities, like a visit to a museum or a park, to make the conversation more relatable and engaging.
Praise your child’s insights and contributions to the discussion to encourage their ongoing interest and engagement.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: Through rhythmic poems about dinosaurs, the book encourages children to explore and learn about these ancient creatures and their environment.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this lesson by being open to learning about the world around them, asking questions, and engaging in discovery through books and nature.
Example Lesson: Resilience
Explanation: The stories of survival and adaptation of dinosaurs inspire resilience. It shows that despite challenges, the dinosaurs thrived in various environments.
Real-World Application: Kids can learn to adapt to changes in their own lives, whether it’s moving to a new school or facing any personal challenges, mimicking the survival strategies of dinosaurs.
Example Lesson: Importance of Ecosystems
Explanation: The book introduces various prehistoric ecosystems through its vivid portrayals of dinosaur life, emphasizing how each species had a role in their environment.
Real-World Application: Children can understand the importance of every creature in our ecosystem today and learn the value of environmental conservation.
Example Lesson: Time Concepts
Explanation: By journeying back to the age of dinosaurs, children can grasp the concept of historical time periods and the evolutionary timeline.
Real-World Application: This aids children in understanding how the world has changed over millions of years and can enhance their perspective on time measurement and history.
Example Lesson: Creativity and Imagination
Explanation: The poetic format and the fantastical subject matter stimulate the imagination, prompting children to visualize and think creatively about the world of dinosaurs.
Real-World Application: Kids can use this creative stimulation to engage in creative play, art projects, or storytelling, enhancing their cognitive and creative skills.