March, 2008

Parent Tip of the Month by Becky Lowe

I recently came across a book series that has worked wonders at our house!  They are the Dinosaur Books by Jane Yolen (Author), Mark Teague (Illustrator).  They are beautifully illustrated and cleverly written.  Katie started her first book (and favorite), “How do Dinosaurs say Goodnight?"  The books is written like a social story for the dinosaur going through all the things the dinosaur might do in a question, like "Do dinosaurs slam their tails and pout?  Do they swing their neck from side to side?  Do they up and demand a piggy-back ride?"  Then it goes on by saying how the dinosaur goes to bed properly!!!  Shortly after we got the first book, when Kate would throw a fit about bedtime, I would ask her questions about how dinosaurs go to bed.  It certainly helped with bedtime.

"How does a dinosaur say good night when Papa comes in to turn off the light? Does a dinosaur slam his tail and pout? Does he throw his teddy bear all about? Does a dinosaur stomp his feet on the floor and shout, 'I want to hear one book more!'? DOES A DINOSAUR ROAR?" Most certainly not. Dinosaurs give their mommies and daddies big hugs and kisses, tuck their tales in, and whisper "Good night!"  (Excerpt from book).

Then, I came across "How do Dinosaurs Get Well Soon?"  This addresses going to the doctor and how to properly take medicine!  It also addresses eating well and we have managed to get Kate to try new things by reminding her that the dinosaurs try "just one small bit" and she finally ate steak for the first time!!!

"What if a dinosaur goes to the doc? Does he drag all his feet till his mom is in shock?" The look on this mom's face will be familiar to anyone who's ever forcibly moved a child, who seems to have suddenly gained a million pounds, from one place to another. And of course, it turns out that dinosaurs don't misbehave when they're sick: "He drinks lots of juice, and he gets lots of rest. He's good at the doctor's, 'cause doctors know best."  (Excerpt from book)

I also found "How do Dinosaurs Clean Their Rooms?" (Which is a huge problem in our house!)  Again, I have been able to refer to the book in order to get Katie to cooperate and do what she needs to do! 

"How does a dinosaur clean up his room?  With a big bucket-loader, or shovel or broom?"  (excerpt from book)

I also came across "How do Dinosaurs go to School".  Again, this book addresses appropriate behavior and the do's and don’ts of school. 

My daughter loves the whole series and wants more of the dinosaur books.  These books have been wonderful in many ways.  They have encouraged Kate to read (and now she has memorized them).  They are also beautifully illustrated and they keep her attention for the whole book.  I am so happy with these books and I am looking to purchase the rest of the set!  Check them out!  You will not be disappointed!

Becky Lowe

Back