The Dinosaur's Diary

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Each child was given a library card so they could return, and in the days that followed they wrote many new stories for the library before it mysteriously disappeared. Although not before making every child a lifelong member! Dinosaurs have been a topic of discussion and inspiration for much longer this year than they were during a different iteration of the topic last year. Why we use immersive learning

Dinosaurs topic books for EYFS, KS1 and KS2 Dinosaurs topic books for EYFS, KS1 and KS2

The children started to talk about what was happening, particularly when they discovered some extraordinary teeth and fossils. I really enjoy writing verse, even though it can be fiendishly difficult. I used to memorise poems as a child and it means a lot to me when parents tell me their child can recite one of my books. This is a story about a dinosaur who falls through a portal and onto a farm, as she explores and makes new friends, she learn lots about the human world and also becomes a mother. The story has a happy ending and the book is very humorous. The Dinosaur’s Diary is about one of these small creatures, who lives in perpetual terror of T Rex and the like. Involve colleagues – once you have devised your immersive learning project, let everyone know what you’re planning. It’s important everyone is engaged and can respond correctly to children’s questions.

I also continued to write “grown-up” songs and perform them in folk clubs and on the radio, and have recently released two CDs of these songs. This is perfect for a year 2 class, it is engaging and there are plenty of opportunities to ask the children questions about the characters, the story line and also to make predictions on what will happen next. One of my television songs, A SQUASH AND A SQUEEZE, was made into a book in 1993, with illustrations by the wonderful Axel Scheffler. It was great to hold the book in my hand without it vanishing in the air the way the songs did. This prompted me to unearth some plays I’d written for a school reading group, and since then I’ve had 20 plays published. Most children love acting and it’s a tremendous way to improve their reading.

Dinosaurs Diary by Julia Donaldson | Goodreads

Even now the project is complete, it has continued to have a positive impact on the children’s general engagement and communication. They still find clues in the playground that they think could have been left behind by the dinosaur. It remains part of their day-to-day conversations. I think the age range would be from 7-9 year olds although early years could enjoy to this through class reading sessions.

I studied Drama and French at Bristol University, where I met Malcolm, a guitar-playing medic to whom I’m now married. They become more enthusiastic learners, and it encourages greater participation and breaks down social barriers. In the autumn term we had a surprising visitor to the school. A T-Rex was spotted in the playground during break! It seemed to be looking for something, and moved around the playground until it disappeared as suddenly as it had arrived…