One night, Nanna teaches Little J, Big Cuz and Levi about the star constellations through stories of the past. At school, Ms Chen encourages the students to investigate the evidence of dinosaurs. Little J and Levi set out to find evidence of dinosaurs themselves, happening upon the fossil of Diprotodon, also called Wombat Rex.

Elaborate - Present narratives, information and findings in oral, graphic and written forms using simple terms to denote the passing of time and to describe direction and location

Theme - DINOSAURS

After viewing Little J & Big Cuz, Episode 2 ‘Wombat Rex’, engage students with the following activities to support their understanding of continuity and change of, and about, living things; place and space; and perspectives.

Set up a reading corner with books about dinosaurs, wombats, and Aboriginal Dreaming stories and/or Torres Strait Islander Bipo Bipo Tiam (Before Before Time) stories. Discuss what the students learn from reading and sharing some these stories. Suggested resources:

• Adam, E. & Turner, N. (2008). . Brolly Books, Malvern, Victoria
• Bruce, J. B. & Wade, J. (1993). . Kenthurst, NSW. Kangaroo Press
• Delightful Children’s Books, eight children’s books about dinosaurs
• Dinosaurs & The Prehistoric World for Children & Teenagers
• French, J. & Whatley, B. (2002). . Sydney, NSW. Angus & Robertson
• Harvey, R. (2013). . Crows Nest, NSW. Allen & Unwin
• Parker, N. J. (2004). . Brolly Books, Armadale, Victoria
• Scott, K. & Kendall, P. (2001). . Sandcastle Books, Fremantle, WA
• Wild, M. & Brooks, R., 1948- (2011).  (1st ed). Allen & Unwin, Crows Nest, NSW

Introduce students to Aboriginal Dreaming stories and/or Torres Strait Islander Bipo Bipo Tiam (Before Before Time) stories, such as:

• Dolumyu, J. & Lofts, P. & Jandany, H.  (2004). The.  Lindfield, NSW :  Scholastic Press
• Green, M. & Lofts, P.  (2004). The  Sydney :  Scholastic Press
• Kwaymullina, E. & Morgan, S.  (2011). My country.  North Fremantle, WA :  Fremantle Press
• Lippo, A. & Lofts, P.  (2004). The kangaroo and the porpoise.  Sydney :  Scholastic (video)
• Lofts, P. & Lajamanu School. Senior Boys Class.  (2011). Warnayarra the rainbow snake: an Aboriginal story.  Sydney :  Scholastic
• Mowaljarlai, D. B. & Lofts, P.  (2004). When the snake bites the sun.  Sydney :  Scholastic Press (animation)
• Mudgedell, M. (B.) N. & Williams, S. & Nicholls, C. & Mudgedell, Marie N.  (2002). The cocky, the crow and the hawk: a Dreaming narrative.  Kingswood, S. Aust :  Working Title Press
• Mung Mung, G. L. & Lofts, P.  (2004). How the kangaroos got their tails.  Sydney :  Scholastic Press
• Nampijinpa, D. D. G. & Williams, S. & Nicholls, C.  (2003). The magic fire at Warlukurlangu : a Dreaming narrative.  Kingswood, S. Aust :  Working Title Press
• Napurrurla, M. T. & Williams, S. & Nicholls, C.  (2003). The spotted cat: a Dreaming narrative.  Kingswood, S. Aust :  Working Title Press
• Utemorrah, D. & Lofts, P.  (2004). Dunbi the owl.  Sydney :  Scholastic Press (video)
• Stories in the stars, Melbourne Museum
• Changes in the sky, Melbourne Museum

Or view Aboriginal Dreaming stories and/or Torres Strait Islander Bipo Bipo Tiam (Before Before Time) stories, for example:

• Giant Eagle - Mullyan
• Giant Emu in the Dreamtime
• Giant Frogs in the Dreamtime
• Giant Kangaroos in the Dreamtime
• The Yamuti
• Sharing Stories: Aboriginal Collection

As a class discuss the meaning of each story and why the stories have significant meaning for different Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Explain to the class why it is important that we respect these stories. If possible, invite an Elder or their recognised representative of the local Aboriginal community or Torres Strait Islander community to come to tell the local Aboriginal Dreaming stories and/or Bipo Bipo Tiam (Before Before Time) stories and teach students about their culture and significance.

Have students visit ABC Splash to access resources, games, and quizzes about dinosaurs. For example: Create your own talking dinosaur text in My Design 

Invite students to design, construct and decorate a dinosaur mask using found objects, coloured paper, paper mache, and/or cardboard.  Students should use their imaginations to design and name their own dinosaur character. Suggested resource: Printable dinosaur mask templates (free)

1. Organise a dinosaur parade where each child presents or talks (a show & tell) about their dinosaur.
2. Create a class album (class display or online photo album) of the ‘dinosaur designs’ by taking photos of the mask designs, recording the sounds students make for their dinosaur, and the parade the dinosaur designs for other classes. Have each student create a caption, sentence, or story about his or her dinosaur character. Add the text to the photo album images to create a class storybook.