Although dinosaurs became extinct many millions of years ago, they still fascinate not only older but also younger children, who are very eager to expand their knowledge about these extraordinary reptiles—full of mysteries and surprising in their appearance and size. Dinosaur Day was celebrated at Municipal Public Kindergarten No. 3 in Bolesławiec in a way that was particularly attractive to the children.
On that day, the children became real scientists searching for dinosaur tracks. It also served as a summary of the educational project “Preschoolers as Paleontologists—Learning Through Play,” developed by the kindergarten teachers. The project was adapted to the children’s abilities and skills and was carried out in all age groups, from 3 to 6 years old.
As part of the project, the children watched a multimedia presentation from which they learned when dinosaurs lived, what they looked like, what they ate and why they became extinct. They learned about selected dinosaur species: Tyrannosaurus, Triceratops, Stegosaurus, Brontosaurus and Diplodocus. They became familiar with the work of paleontologists and the names of the tools they use, such as a hammer, chisel, cutter and pick. They listened to poems, stories and interesting facts from various books. They completed many mathematical tasks, activities incorporating early reading instruction and activities incorporating coding. They created artworks using a variety of artistic and technical techniques. They learned new songs and took part in music-based games related to the subject.
A “Little Paleontologist’s Corner,” a “Volcanologist’s Corner” and a model depicting the prehistoric world were created in the kindergarten hall. Children from the individual groups helped set up the corners, enthusiastically collecting dinosaur figurines, flowers, books and materials for experiments. A great surprise for the children was the “Jurassic Park” prepared by the teachers in one of the rooms. It featured huge three-dimensional dinosaurs and their fossilized eggs, which the children could break open using suitable tools to extract the small figurines hidden inside. It was not easy work at all, as the younger children in particular discovered. Therefore, an experiment with baking-soda eggs was also prepared; they dissolved when exposed to water, making the task much easier.
The children were also delighted to excavate fossils and dinosaur bones hidden in sand. In the volcanologist’s corner, the young explorers conducted experiments through which they learned what lava is and how a volcanic eruption occurs. These were extremely exciting experiences that the children wanted to repeat many times. The teachers at Kindergarten No. 3 have been using the educational project method for years and know perfectly well that this way of working with children significantly increases the effectiveness of education, enables children to gain knowledge through play, experience and experimentation, develops their interests and, above all, brings them much joy and unforgettable experiences to share with their parents at home.