Looking At...Stegosaurus: A Dinosaur from the Jurassic Period (The New Dinosaur Collection)
Looking at Dinosaurs Series
What’s inside...
Describes the physical characteristics and probable behavior of this peaceful giant of the Jurassic.
Series reading
Non-Sequential
Age
7-9
Length
24 pages
Text complexity
Discussion points
What do you think it was like for a Stegosaurus to live during the Jurassic Period?
Why do you think the Stegosaurus had plates on its back?
How do you think the Stegosaurus protected itself from predators?
If you could ask a Stegosaurus one question, what would it be?
What similarities and differences do you see between the Stegosaurus and animals living today?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to imagine the environment in which the Stegosaurus lived; ask them to describe the landscape, climate, and other dinosaurs that might have been around.
Discuss the illustrations in the book, focusing on the details of the Stegosaurus’ physical features. Ask your child how they think these features helped it survive.
Use the book as a starting point to explore other dinosaurs from the Jurassic Period as well as other periods, encouraging a broader interest in paleontology.
After reading, you could watch a documentary or visit a museum with dinosaur exhibits to deepen your child's connection with what they've learned.
Encourage your child to draw their own dinosaur, combining features of different dinosaurs they find interesting, and explain why they chose those features.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Prehistoric Life
Explanation: The book presents detailed information on the Stegosaurus, a dinosaur from the Jurassic period, educating children about ancient creatures and their habitats.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this knowledge to understand the concept of extinction and the importance of protecting current wildlife.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry and Discovery
Explanation: The book encourages curiosity about paleontology and the methods scientists use to learn about dinosaurs.
Real-World Application: Children learn to value research and evidence-based learning, applying these skills in academic settings and daily problem-solving.
Example Lesson: Respect for Nature and its History
Explanation: Through learning about the Stegosaurus and its environment, children gain respect for nature and the importance of historical ecological systems.
Real-World Application: This respect can lead to proactive behavior in conservation efforts and responsible interaction with the environment.