Gentle Lessons, Big Impact: Using “How Do Dinosaurs” to Model Social Behavior

How Do Dinosaurs... series by Jane Yolen

Recommended Age: 3 and up

My family was introduced to the How Do Dinosaurs series by my son's therapist. Thus we discovered the power of social stories (stories that teach social cues to children who perhaps don't understand, like those with autism or other neurodivergence)!

These stories are fantastic for children of all abilities. They model manners, social behaviors, and more all without actually feeling like a lesson. Each book begins by showing the dinosaurs doing 'unexpected' behaviors (like opening all the presents under the tree before Christmas), then shifting to acceptable behaviors (waiting patiently. Taking turns. Going to bed without a fuss, etc).

I highly recommend this series for any parent, caregiver, or teacher who wants a good way to teach manners without actually turning it into a lesson.

If Your Kids Like...

• Dinosaurs

• Lessons without teaching

• Social Stories

• Manners through Examples

• Lyrical / rhyming picture books

Possibly Concerning Content

• None that we found. We've read most of the books (there are 25 in total).

Blurb

"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 '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!"

Every sleepy little dinosaur will recognize the tricks of the trade in these bedtime shenanigans. The chuckle factor is sky-high here, with giant, full-page pictures of cleverly identified Tyrannosaurus rexes, triceratopses, and Pteranodons. A variety of human mothers and fathers trying to put their dinosaur children to bed will bring the point home that the story may have something to do with human kid behavior as well.

This good-natured nighttime book is sure to be a winner (even though it might inspire a few noisy dinosaur antics), especially as it's written by Jane Yolen, prolific Caldecott Medalist author of Owl Moon. Yolen and Mark Teague have teamed up to create a fun, silly, playful read-aloud. (Ages 3 to 7)." - From Amazon

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Have you and your kids read this yet? Want to add some P.C.C. we may have missed? Let us know in the comments or send us a message!

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