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Building 5 Dinosaurs with CONNETIX

Building 5 Dinosaurs with CONNETIX

By Jarmila Smejkalova

This blog is for all the Dino lovers out there! If you’re looking for a creative and engaging activity, why not construct your very own CONNETIX dinosaur? Our open-ended and versatile magnetic tiles allow kids (and adults!) to unleash their imagination and build both 2D and 3D designs. Here’s how you can create 5 different dino masterpieces:

1. DIY Dino Puzzle

This DIY Dino flat lay puzzle is a super fun and educational activity for young children! All you need is a large piece of paper and a texter to trace around the magnetic tiles. We made a T-Rex here but you could create any dinosaur!


When children play with puzzles like these, they’re growing their brains and learning new things. Here’s why doing puzzles is so beneficial for children:

Problem-solving Skills

Completing a puzzle involves figuring out how each piece fits into the correct space. This process increases a child’s problem-solving abilities, encouraging them to think critically and logically.

Cognitive Development

Puzzles enhance visual-spatial awareness. As kids manipulate pieces, they develop cognitive skills, recognising patterns and understanding spatial relationships.

Hand-eye Coordination

Placing puzzle pieces accurately requires coordination between hands and eyes. This skill is important for writing and drawing.

Boosted Confidence

As children conquer different puzzles it will help them to feel proud: each solved puzzle is a little victory that makes kids feel more confident.

Magnetic Tiles Needed to make this T-Rex:

  • 24 Square tiles
  • 1 Hexagon
  • 1 Isosceles triangle
  • 14 Right-angle triangles
  • 8 Small equilateral triangles

2. Free CONNETIX Dinosaur Resource

Does creating your own template feel too difficult? Try the free Dinosaur template instead. This template is perfect for the younger dinosaur enthusiasts among us. It’s easily accessible through CONNETIX free resources and can serve as a delightful puzzle template or as a freeform activity to engage young children.

 

This activity offers an excellent opportunity to enhance cognitive skills and problem-solving abilities. Even the simplest puzzles present a clear objective, prompting children to strategise and think critically about how to accomplish it. With an array of shapes and colours, this activity also fosters coordination and spatial thinking skills.

Tiles needed to create this Dinosaur

  • 7 Isoscele triangles
  • 2 Square tiles
  • 2 Equilateral triangles

3. 3D Brachiosaurus

Through play, both children and adults tap into their creativity, imagination, and self-expression. This 3D dino activity is tailored for slightly older children or it can be tackled with some assistance from an adult. Building in multi-dimensions presents a greater challenge compared to 2D.

 

Building 3D projects boosts concentration and problem-solving abilities. When kids tackle a construction project, they need to stay focused and try out different ideas until they find the best solution. It also helps them to think logically. They have to plan, use different strategies and consciously process each step. These logical thinking skills come in handy, especially for trickier builds.Plus, it teaches patience and persistence. As they face challenges and setbacks, they learn to keep trying and not give up. And when they finally succeed, it’s a huge confidence boost!

 

Additionally, engaging in this activity promotes social and teamwork skills, making it suitable for all ages to enjoy together. Collaborating on building this brachiosaurus not only strengthens the bond between participants but also offers a valuable opportunity for parents to connect with their children.

Tiles needed to build this 3D Brachiosaurus:

  • 23 Square tiles
  • 2 x 4-Square rectangles
  • 3 x 3-Square rectangles
  • 3 x 2-Square rectangles
  • 2 Pentagons
  • 2 Equilateral triangles
  • 2 Trapezoids
  • 1 Mini rectangle
  • 8 Isosceles triangles
  • 6 Right-angle triangles
  • 3 Small right-angle triangles 

4. 3D pull-along Dino

Introducing the towable dino – an exceptional companion for young adventurers that combines entertainment with developmental advantages. As children take hold of the rope and guide the dino along, they actively engage and refine their motor skills. Furthermore, the act of pushing or pulling the dino cultivates hand-eye coordination, practising to make their movements smoother.  Plus, with its vibrant colours, this dino is like a burst of inspiration, sparking their imagination and fuelling endless creative play! This activity may also inspire you to design and create your own favourite dinosaurs using our Transport pack.

Tiles needed to build this pull along dino:

  • 2 Car bases
  • 4 Mini rectangles
  • 25 Square tiles
  • 6 Isosceles triangles
  • 4 Right-angle triangles
  • 13 Small equilateral triangles
  • 2 Hexagons

To ensure stability, it’s advisable to add mini rectangles to the base of the rear car. Reinforcing the dino head with two right-angle triangles further strengthens the build. With these tips in mind, children can go on exciting adventures with their towable dino, enjoying both playtime and developmental growth.

5. Stegosaurus ball run

If your little one is both a dinosaur enthusiast and a fan of ball runs, then this stegosaurus ball run using  our Shape Expansion Pack is the perfect match! Ball runs offer delightful entertainment not only for kids but also for parents, creating cherished moments for the whole family. Constructing a ball run not only provides quality leisure time but also fosters skill development in an enjoyable way. Building a ball run comes with numerous benefits; it enhances problem-solving skills, boosts self-esteem, sparks imagination and creativity, teaches perseverance and patience, improves cognitive abilities and enhances concentration.

If you want step-by-step instructions on how to build this ball run check out this blog.

Tiles needed:

  • 18 Square tiles
  • 2 x 4-Square rectangles
  • 3 x 3-Square rectangles
  • 3 x 2-Square rectangles
  • 6 Equilateral triangles 
  • 10 Pentagons
  • 2 Right-angle triangles 
  • 5 Small right-angle triangles 
  • 2 Small equilateral triangles 

Our 5 Dino’s are for inspiration only, you can enhance your dino’s features by attaching smaller triangles for spikes, squares for eyes and rectangles for teeth. Get creative — your dinosaur could have a unique pattern or an extra-long neck! Don’t forget to stand back and admire your magnetic dinosaur creation after you build it. You’ve just brought a prehistoric creature to life using magnetic magic!

Remember, there’s no right or wrong way to build your dinosaur. Let your imagination roam free and enjoy the process. Happy dino-building!

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