The Picture Book Perspective: How Do Dinosaurs Go to School?


Hello, amazing readers!

Today, we’re stomping through the halls of education with the delightful and dino-mite book How Do Dinosaurs Go to School by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Mark Teague. This gem of a picture book hilariously explores the antics of dinosaur children as they navigate their way through a typical school day. Whether you're a dino-lover or just someone who enjoys a good laugh, this book has something for everyone.

Historical and Cultural Perspectives

Jane Yolen, often referred to as the "American Hans Christian Andersen," has crafted a series of "How Do Dinosaurs" books that cleverly blend humor with life lessons. The series began in 2000, and How Do Dinosaurs Go to School was published in 2007. The books feature a variety of dinosaur species, all wonderfully anthropomorphized, and their human-like behavior is captured in Mark Teague's vibrant illustrations.

This book, like others in the series, subtly addresses everyday situations that children face, making it culturally relevant and universally relatable. The playful yet educational approach of Yolen and Teague provides a fun way for kids to see themselves in the stories, even if they’re not prehistoric giants.

Social-Emotional Content

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School is packed with social-emotional learning opportunities. The dinosaurs, despite their massive size and potential for chaos, are portrayed as kids just trying to figure out how to behave in a school setting. The book humorously depicts both the wrong and right ways for dinosaurs to act, providing a non-threatening way for children to understand appropriate school behavior.

The story addresses themes like listening to the teacher, being kind to classmates, and following rules. By showing both positive and negative behaviors, it helps children recognize and emulate good conduct while understanding the consequences of poor choices—all through the lens of lovable, clumsy dinosaurs.

Using the Book for Kids: Tips for Parents and Teachers

  1. Behavioral Discussions: Use the book to talk about school behavior. Ask questions like, "What did the dinosaur do wrong?" and "How can we behave better?" This encourages children to reflect on their actions and think about better choices.

  2. Dinosaur Fun Facts: Turn reading time into a mini science lesson by sharing fun facts about the different dinosaurs featured in the book. Kids can learn a bit of paleontology while enjoying the story.

  3. Role-Playing: Have kids act out scenes from the book. This can help them better understand the behaviors being illustrated and give them a chance to practice good conduct in a fun, engaging way.

  4. Art Projects: Encourage children to draw their favorite scenes or create their own dinosaur school day. This activity can enhance creativity and reinforce the book's themes.

  5. Classroom Rules: Create a classroom rules chart inspired by the book. List good behaviors and perhaps illustrate them with dinosaurs, making the rules more engaging and memorable for students.

Humorous Takeaway

How Do Dinosaurs Go to School is not just a guide for young children; it’s also a cheeky reminder for us all. Imagine if we approached our daily routines with the same enthusiasm (and occasional blunders) as these dinosaurs! Sure, we might accidentally topple a few desks or misunderstand a few instructions, but we’d certainly do it with style.

Next time you’re faced with a daunting task, channel your inner dinosaur—large, a bit clumsy, but always trying to do your best. And remember, a little bit of humor can go a long way in making any day roar-some.

Until next time, keep turning those pages and remember:

Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way.

Happy reading!

Adam

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Do you have a picture book for Adam to review? Email us your suggestion at beastlybanterblog@gmail.com

About the Author

Adam Williams is a dedicated elementary school teacher with a passion for literacy and children's literature. Married to Leigha, Adam is a proud father to a son named Tate and a daughter named Emery. He is known for his engaging read-aloud videos on his YouTube channel, "Where There's A. Williams, There's A Way," where he brings picture books to life for his audience. The Picture Book Perspective is published every Sunday. In his blog, he explores the historical and cultural contexts of picture books, delves into their social-emotional content, and offers insights for parents and teachers on how to use these books effectively with children. 

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