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Roll and play
Dinosaur Movement Die
Make a paper die, roll it and move like a dinosaur. A playful way to explore movement together at home or in a group.
- Age 4
- 15 min
- Easy
- Any group size
- Roll and play
Learning areas
About this activity
Children help make a paper die, then act out the action they roll: stomp, roar, stretch their neck, flap their short arms, jump or walk slowly.
This game encourages children to explore movement and sound, listen to directions and notice how their bodies move. An adult reads the die faces and joins in.
Learning objectives
- Try the movements and sound shown on the die.
- Respond to a movement direction with adult support.
- Wait for a turn when playing with others.
The printable
Print
What you need
- Printed die template
- Child-safe scissors
- Tape or glue
- Clear space to move
Safety notes
Use child-safe scissors with close adult supervision; an adult can cut out the template. Play in a clear space with a safe surface. Encourage gentle jumps and roars that do not strain the voice. Seated or smaller movements are welcome too.
How to do it
- Choose a space clear of furniture and objects on the floor.
- Read the actions on the die faces with the child.
- Cut out the template and help fold and secure the tabs with tape or glue.
- Roll the die and show the child how to do the action.
- Invite the child to roll and read the action aloud.
- Do the action together and keep playing, giving each participant a turn.
- To finish, invite the child to choose a favorite action to do once more.
Teaching suggestions
- Say, “I'll read what you rolled. How could your dinosaur do that?”
- Demonstrate each action and offer a hand or other support if the child wants it.
- Welcome small movements, seated movements or any comfortable way of joining in.
- In a group, pass the die from person to person and invite everyone to join in after each roll.
Variations
Make it easier
Read and demonstrate each action before playing. The child can copy you.
Make it harder
Roll twice and invite the child to remember and do both actions in order.
Extend the play
Make up a short dinosaur story together, including the actions you roll.
Talk about it
- How did your body move when you were a dinosaur?
- Which action did you like best? Why?
- What would a dinosaur walking very slowly look like?
- What other movement could your dinosaur invent?
What to look for
- Notice whether the child tries the action or sound rolled.
- Observe whether the child responds to the direction read aloud, with or without a demonstration.
- In a group, notice how the child participates while waiting for a turn.
Movement & dance
Board game
Hands-on activity
Songs & fingerplays