Paper Maché Dinosaurs

This activity is one that is a long process but definitely worth it.  There are a number of steps involved in creating a paper maché dinosaur for each child. The children were very excited and really had to observe and research attributes of the different dinosaurs, some of them got creative as well and created their own dinosaur species.

To start this activity each child paper machéd a large balloon and a small balloon.  We used wallpaper paste and ripped pieces of newspaper to put 2 layers on each balloon.  To dry we set them on yogurt containers and this helps the balloon to dry faster and keep the round shape.

After the balloons were dry the children chose which dinosaur they wanted to create.  They looked through books and counted how many legs, arms, how long the neck was, spikes, tail length, claws, and any other attributes they wanted to add. 

With paper towel rolls, toilet paper rolls and cardboard we cut the pieces to fit the 2 balloons.  The children cut slits on both sided of the tubes and bent them over so that the pieces would have a more solid base.  I put hot glue on one side of the tube and the children showed me where to place it.  This was a very important step because the legs especially needed to be placed evenly so that the dinosaur could balance.  We then added the neck, head, tail and other attributes to the body base, again the children cut slits on both sides of the tube and bent them over to connect the other body parts to the base.   Once the basics of the body were glued on the children added some extra features like claws and spikes.

After the body was assembled the students chose a color to paint their dinosaur. 

When the paint was dry, I had a number of craft materials for the children to choose to put on the eyes, teeth, claws, nostrils and any other extras to make their dinosaur unique.  They all turned out fantastic and all unique to each child.  This was a long process but a worth while one.  I am definitely going to do this activity again!

Here are some pictures to show some of the process.

Here are some of their finished creations