How Do You Measure a Dinosaur? - Level 21-22

How Do You Measure a Dinosaur? follows a group of children as they work together using mathematics to create a life-sized drawing of a tyrannosaurus. Presented in a procedural format with clearly numbered steps, the story introduces young readers to mathematical and scientific language within an engaging context. The book features compound adjectives, past-tense verbs, a clearly structured beginning, middle, and end, and a list of required items to complete the task. Vocabulary such as "grid", "yard", and "squares" supports mathematical understanding, while multisyllabic words such as "tyrannosaurus" and "disappeared" challenge and extend readers' vocabulary. The text also includes the use of parentheses, supporting students' comprehension of text structure. This title offers an ideal way to explore maths in everyday contexts while promoting collaboration and procedural writing. It encourages critical thinking and accuracy in interpreting non-fiction narratives.

Educational Benefits:

• Reinforces mathematical language and measurement concepts.
• Supports development of procedural and sequential writing.
• Introduces complex vocabulary and grammar structures.
• Encourages analysis of non-fiction structure and purpose.

Classroom Ideas:

• Create a collaborative dinosaur mural using measured grid drawing.
• Sequence the steps in the procedure using visual story maps.
• Explore real-world applications of measurement in a maths centre.
• Discuss the concept of scale using different classroom objects.

Safety & Information:

• Suitable for ages 6+
• Dimensions: 20.5 cm x 19.5 cm
• Guided reading text; use scissors/rulers with adult supervision during activities
• No small parts; text-only content