Dinosaurs Love Underpants / by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort

"I don't want to eat you up, I want your underpants!"

Dinosaurs Love Underpants  by Claire Freedman & Ben Cort

Let your child (or children) gaze at the cover of this book…for a minute.  Then quietly and thoughtfully ask "What in the world do you think this book is about?"  "How do you think Dinosaurs became extinct?" Listen to the answers with MUCH interest!  Then begin reading…

For this T-Rex sized art project/activity you will need:

1.  White underpants…your childs size. (if in a group, to avoid embarrassment, use undershirts)

2.  Fabric dye, paints or markers (which ever one you choose)

3.  Art aprons

4.  Plastic table cover

We chose camisoles for the girls and boxers for the boys.
We chose to tie dye our unders.

This is a VERY messy activity!  Beware and Prepare!  Be creative….

First:  Read the book, ask questions, have a short discussion…"Did this story turn out the way you though it would?"  Discuss the ideas you had about the book before you read it, and talk about the comparisons. 

Second:  Cover your kitchen table with a (cheap!) plastic table cloth.  Prepare to decorate your item of clothing.  Have your child grab the white underpants (or shirt) they are going to decorate.  Proceed (following the instructions on the package of your art/craft medium) to decorate your underpants or shirt!  Leave it WIDE OPEN…this is an art project, so no rules on results! 

*these are pictures of my own camisole & boxers - the other projects went "home to dry"*

tie dyed boxers

tie dyed camisole

* I have used permanent markers for this project before, they work just fine and might be something you already have at home *

Third:  While project is drying/setting, clean up your craft space & wash hands.  Prepare a small snack, gather at the table again to eat snacks and have a final discussion about the book:  "What happened to T. rex's unders?" "Why were the cavemen worried?" "Tell me how you think the story should have ended?"

This activity takes 30 minutes (...and a little patience!).  You did it!   That's active engagement your child will remember for a long time to come!

"Dinosaurs Love Underpants" has been tested & APPROVED by children ages 4 - 7!

"Children see magic because they look for it."  -Christopher Moore

Peace!

Lisa

questions?  suggestions?  leave me a comment!