Dragons

Dragons can be fierce and powerful or protective and kind. Stories about these magical creatures are told by many different cultures around the world. Some children are very knowledgeable about dragons and incorporate them into their play.

Dragons align with the Early Years Learning Framework's (EYLF) learning outcomes as they inspire curiosity and imagination (4.1).

Learning experiences

Make a dragon egg

Blow up a balloon and completely cover it with paper mache or strips of plaster bandage (which can be purchased from most craft stores). Once it is completely dry and hard, paint the egg. Once the paint has dried, glue on small, glittery decorations.

What does a dragon egg look like?
What colour should it be?
How can we make it sparkle?
Where can we display our egg to keep it safe?

Dress up as a dragon

All children imagine dragons differently and this activity allows for artistic expression. This is a child-led activity but educators can be present to support children if needed. Ask them what they think dragons look like.

Provide children with these items and encourage them to construct a dragon costume:

Paper.
Pens.
Masking tape.
Cardboard packaging.

Write a book of dragons

During children's research and discussions, they may identify that there are many types of dragons. They appear differently between cultures and stories, and people imagine them differently.

Suggest that the children create a picture book with a different type of dragon on each page. Children can draw the images and educators can assist with writing the descriptions.

Tell a story

Children act out stories about dragons using props, like:

paper dragon masks
cardboard swords or crowns
a blanket as the dragon's wings
a large cardboard box as the dragon's lair.

Write a poem about dragons

Dragons are associated with powerful and mysterious words, which can be used to write poems. Early childhood educators don't need to feel daunted about writing poems with young children. Follow this formula:

Start with a simple sentence describing what dragons look like.
Add a line about where dragons live.
Describe something that dragons do.
Write how they make you feel.

An example, written by a five-year-old:

Big and green and really, really big wings
In a cave, in a rock
Breathing fire
Dragons make me happy.

Discussions

Are dragons friendly or terrifying?
Have you seen a dragon?
Can you keep a dragon as a pet?
Where do they live?
What do they eat?
Do dragons have magic powers?
Why do dragons like gold and jewels?