Dinosaur Extinction Word Search: A Journey Through Time
Learning Objective: To introduce children to key vocabulary related to dinosaurs and their extinction, fostering curiosity about the past.
About this resource
This engaging Dinosaur Extinction Word Search is designed for Year 1 children in Key Stage 1, offering a fun way to introduce key vocabulary related to dinosaurs and their eventual extinction. It supports the UK National Curriculum by fostering curiosity about the past and developing early geographical understanding of significant historical events and changes over time. Perfect for consolidating learning or as an exciting starter activity, this resource helps children explore fascinating prehistoric concepts.
Dinosaur Extinction Word Search Activity
15-20 minutesWhat happened to the Dinosaurs?
This engaging word search activity is designed for Year 1 children to explore vocabulary related to dinosaurs and the fascinating topic of their extinction. It's a great way to reinforce spelling and introduce new words in a fun, interactive manner.
Words to Find:
- DINOSAUR
- EXTINCT
- COMET
- EARTH
- VOLCANO
- ASH
- GIANT
- FOSSIL
- PREY
- PLANT
- COLD
- BIG
- ROCK
Activity Description:
Children will search for the hidden words in the grid (to be provided separately, e.g., on a worksheet). Words can be found horizontally, vertically, and diagonally. Once found, they can circle or highlight the words. A word bank is provided to support recognition and spelling.
Teacher Instructions for Use
5 minutes (introduction)This word search is perfect as a starter activity to introduce a lesson on dinosaurs and their extinction, a plenary to consolidate learning, or as a fun homework task.
- Preparation: Print out the word search grids for each child. Ensure the word list is clearly visible on the sheet.
- Introduction: Briefly discuss dinosaurs and ask children what they already know. Introduce the idea that dinosaurs are no longer alive and prompt them to think about why. Explain that today's activity will help them learn some words about what might have happened.
- Explain the Task: Show them how to find words in the grid (horizontally, vertically, and diagonally). Encourage them to tick off words from the list as they find them.
- Support: Circulate around the classroom, offering help with letter recognition and sounding out words. Encourage peer support.
- Review: Once completed, go through the words as a class, discussing their meaning in the context of dinosaurs and extinction. For example, 'Comet' could lead to a discussion about space objects, 'Volcano' about Earth's changing surface, and 'Fossil' about how we know dinosaurs existed.
Extension Activity Suggestions
10-20 minutes- Sentence Writing: Ask children to choose 3-5 words from the list and write a simple sentence for each, explaining its connection to dinosaurs or their extinction. For example, 'A comet hit the Earth.'
- Picture Dictionary: Children can create a mini-dictionary, drawing a picture for each word and writing a short caption.
- Story Starter: Provide a sentence like 'One day, a giant rock fell from the sky...' and encourage children to continue the story using some of the word search vocabulary.
- Dinosaur Fact File: Research one of the dinosaurs mentioned or pictured in your classroom resources and create a simple fact file using some of the vocabulary (e.g., 'This dinosaur ate plants').
Answer Key
N/AThe following words are hidden in the grid (directions may vary depending on grid generation):
- DINOSAUR
- EXTINCT
- COMET
- EARTH
- VOLCANO
- ASH
- GIANT
- FOSSIL
- PREY
- PLANT
- COLD
- BIG
- ROCK
Differentiation
SEN Support
Provide a smaller grid with fewer words. Pre-highlight the first letter of each word in the grid. Pair children with a supportive peer or adult. Use visual aids for each word (e.g., flashcards with pictures).
EAL Support
Pre-teach key vocabulary using realia, pictures, or actions. Provide dual-language support if available. Encourage children to point to words before they circle them. Focus on recognising the shape of the words rather than full comprehension initially.
Gifted & Talented
Challenge children to find words that are not on the list but are related to dinosaurs (e.g., names of dinosaurs if they know them). Ask them to explain the meaning of each word in their own words or use them in a paragraph about dinosaur extinction. Create their own word search for a partner.
Key Vocabulary
Assessment Criteria
- Children can locate and identify at least 8-10 words from the word bank.
- Children can correctly spell some of the key vocabulary words.
- Children can demonstrate an understanding of the meaning of some words in context (through discussion or extension activities).