Toddler Time Activities: Dinosaurs

I'm not entirely sure that this fits my domestic theme, but my mom encouraged me to share some of the little things I've been doing to keep my three year old busy lately.  Hoping you find them entertaining or useful. 

We've put off preschool so far for N. because of our recent move.  He's ready and will start soon.  But until that day comes, I've been trying to work in some little activities for us to do.  With help from my mom, a retired early educator, we do monthly or weekly themes and work in little busy activities around them.  Our theme of late has been Dinosaurs!  Its a little early for the dino-stage, but that's what N. has really gotten into lately. 

So here's two easy-to-create activities for young children.  You can of course use the stuffed dino activity with any theme. 

How to Create a Paleontologist Dig:

Supplies:
Large tub
Cornmeal or play sand
Plastic dinosaur shapes (Michael's has dinosaur skulls and the foam hats)
Brush


Fill tub with cornmeal.  Hide dinosaurs in cornmeal.  Let your kid dig them out and brush them off as he finds them. 



How to Make Stuffed Dinos:
Supplies:
Craft felt 
Cookie cutters in dino shapes
Pen
Scissors
Stapler and staples
Cotton balls 


1.  Trace dino shapes into felt.  Create out two shapes for every one finished dinosaur.  Cut out shapes.  (Since N. is still too young to do this step, or to have the patience to watch me do it, I did it the night before.)

2.  Place two cut pieces together and staple around most of the shape, leaving a hole for stuffing.  You can have them help push down on the stapler with you.  (Yes, you can use hot glue, but this was a more hands-on way for N. to be involved.)

3.  Stuff shape with cotton balls to desired fullness.  Staple hole shut. 

4.  We made a Dinosaur Hunt game with our shapes.  One person hides them in a given area and the rest have to find them.