Nancy Stewart

I've been doing this variation of the traditional spiritual (Dem Bones) for many years, and it's always a favorite! Why this song works and should be in everyone's song bag of tricks: It's simple, so anyone can sing it It's based on a familiar melody ( research tells us we all learn best by attaching new information to something familiar It has a strong beat, which makes it irresistible Keeping a steady beat by slapping hands on thighs makes children focus It's adaptable: Use with or without pictures, sing in the car and have kids take turns naming their favorite dinosaurs It has a topic children are timelessly drawn to- dinosaurs! It employs the element of surprise, as children don't know what dinosaur will be next This song sparks creativity: the more you sing it, children will have their own ideas for modifications It's just plain fun- and singing should be fun! NOTE: The 'Hands up!' you hear me say after each verse on the recording is a little trick I came up with many years that always works to get kids' attention. When kids want to stop and talk about each dinosaur, you can stop the song, and let them (great for building narrative skills). When you want to get them back into the song, just say, 'Hands up!' and they magically put their hands up and are ready to resume the song. Try it- it really works! Ideas for using this song: Simply sing this song, keeping a steady beat by slapping hands on thighs Hold up pictures to match the dinosaurs in the song download here (but keep slapping thighs!) Use your favorite dinosaur picture book, adding verses to the song as you go. Visit the library and check out a new dinosaur book to use! Older children can draw their own dinosaur pictures, give them names, and then sing about them (hold up a picture of a dinosaur (on the PRINTABLE LYRICS ) and have kids name it, or use without pictures)

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