I have some unit study ideas for a dragon unit study and a salt dough dragon craft. Also, check out The Race Against Time Geronimo Stilton Activity Craft Fun Dragon Eggs.
Salt dough is a wonderful medium to work in.
It is inexpensive and you usually have all the ingredients on hand.
And it can be used in a variety of ways.
Today we are going to soar into the mystical world of dragons by creating a salt dough dragon in honor of January 16th, National Appreciate a Dragon Day.
Dragons have been the subject of many stories, tapestries, paintings, and statues.
They have been the stuff of legends, something to be hunted but also admired.
And they can be winged or not, scaly, have no legs, two, or four. They can fly, have large teeth and claws.
Dragon Hands-on Ideas
Before we get started on our salt dough dragon here are some more hands-on activities for dragons.
And I have included a few for knights and medieval times as well since they all go hand in hand.
- The Journey Through Time Book And Knights Armor Engraving Fun Kids Craft
- How To Make Dragon Eyes
- Geronimo Stilton Time Travel How to Make a Medieval Stained Glass Craft
- Flying Dragon Craft
- Foaming Dragon Science Experiment
- Give your child a dragon themed creative writing prompt to write or type out like “The dragon reared back and…” or “As the knight peered around the next corner of the cave he saw…”.
- Create a dragon sensory bin for younger children by using any base you like. For example, aquarium gravel, rice dyed green for grass, slime, etc. These Dragon Toobs and Dragons and Knights from Safari Ltd are fun and perfect for a dragon or medieval loving kid.
- And of course, make some fun dragon eggs.
- Make a paper plate dragon
- Dragon lacing cards
- How to Make an Egg Carton Dragon Craft
- Saint George and the Dragon Lapbook
Also, I’ve rounded up some great books for your study of dragons.
Books About Dragons
If you have a child of any age who is fascinated by the beauty, power, and mystery of dragons here are a few books they will love to have.
Fun Dragon Unit Study Resources
Whether you're wanting an idea or two enhance your dragon unit study or just want a fun lead into a fairy tale or medieval times, grab one or two of these resources.
Have you ever stumbled upon a dragon egg and thought to yourself, "I wonder which type of scaly beast will burst forth from this delicate and dappled shell?" Well, wonder no more. This fantasy field guide is required reading--and required packing--for both budding and expert dragon enthusiasts. Don’t leave home without it.This comprehensive and elucidating manual identifies the dragons of the world from Amphipteridae through Wyvernae. Each genus of dragon is meticulously chronicled--from winged Coatyls and Sea Orcs to itty, bitty Feydragons to fire-breathing Great Dragons--then broken down into additional subsets to help you discover what sets these magnificent creatures apart. Uncover the biology, history, behavior and habitat of each stunning and primeval beast through written and illustrated descriptions.
Let's use your drawing skills to bring dragons to life!
Are you a beginner who wants to take your drawing skills to the next level? Are you fascinated with dragons and looking for a book that helps you draw them with ease? Then Erik Barrett's How to Draw Dragons is perfect for you!
Drawing dragons has never been easier now that you have this book, which will guide you through sketching these majestic creatures from their wings, heads, bodies to other features that make them legendary. These guides are elaborate in the form of step-by-step written instructions and vivid illustrations to make your drawing experience as enjoyable as possible. And there are not only one but eleven species of dragons, from Amphiptere to Drake to the fabled Oriental Dragon, all of which are for you to improve and enhance your drawing skills.
Excellent "carry-along" for any excursion since the figures are neatly packed in a reusable acetate tube
For true believers only, a lavishly illustrated reproduction of a legendary volume by the world’s most distinguished dragonologist. Don’t let it fall into the wrong hands!Do you believe in dragons? Now, for the first time, the long-lost research of renowned nineteenth century dragonologist Dr. Ernest Drake is presented in all its eccentric glory, happily bridging the gap between dragon legend and fact. The meticulous Dr. Drake assigns Latin names to various dragon species, ruminates on why dragons are able to speak, speculates on how they could fly, and explains the true purpose of their notorious hoarding habits. Here are just a few of DRAGONOLOGY'S fascinating features:
SET OF 11 WILD FIGURINES – You can almost hear the clank of armor and clash of swords in our Knights and Dragons TOOB! Sure to excite boys and girls alike, this medieval fantasy includes 4 Knights of the Red Kingdom (Knight with Pike, Knight with Great Sword, Knight with Battle-Axe, and a Knight on Warhorse), 4 Knights of the Blue Kingdom (Knight with Lance, Knight with Halbred, Knight with 2-Handed Sword, and Knight with Pennon on War Horse), as well as a Catapult and a fierce Green Dragon.
Perfect advanced stories for children from middle elementary through middle school.
A war has been raging between the dragon tribes of Pyrrhia for years. According to a prophecy, five dragonets will end the bloodshed and choose a new queen. But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when Clay, Tsunami, Glory, Starflight, and Sunny discover the truth about their unusual, secret upbringing, they might choose freedom over fate --
Finally, let’s make this fun salt dough dragon.
This is the type of art project that really needs nothing but your imagination to fly so I will just give you the basic instructions for salt dough and molding.
The rest is up to you and your creativity.
Your dragon can be sleeping, sitting, or reared back ready to battle a knight.
And you can create a dragon that is an adorable baby or a fierce fighter with wings and fire coming out of his mouth.
How to Make Salt Dough Dragon
You will need:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 cup table salt
- ½ to ¾ cup of water
- Food coloring
- Craft paints
- Glitter
- Paintbrushes
- Tools- skewers, wooden craft sticks, rollers, etc..
Directions:
Start by stirring flour and salt together until well combined.
Add water slowly, mixing it thoroughly until the dough is the consistency of bread dough.
You don’t want it too sticky or too dry and crumbly.
Remember it’s easier to add a little more water than to keep going back with flour.
Knead the dough with your hand to get a good feel for the texture.
Once your dough is mixed and if you want to give your dragon a base color knead in your desired food coloring at this point.
Or you can opt to completely paint by hand.
Begin molding your dragon into shape.
We found it easier to construct the body, head, limbs, and tails separately then press them together well.
Experiment with various tools to create eyes, scales, and other details.
Wooden skewers and craft sticks are very easy to work with. You can also add beads to create scales and eyes.
To create a winged dragon, roll dough out to about ¼” thickness and cut a wing using a craft stick or knife.
Lay it on top of another piece of rolled out dough and use it as a template to cut out the second wing to match.
Give the wings a little shaping with your fingers so they are not so angular.
When you are satisfied with your creation, place it on a baking sheet in an oven that has been preheated to 200°F.
Fun Dragon Craft
The thicker your dragon is, the longer it will take to completely dry out.
You can also air dry but with the thickness of a sculpture you might find that it begins to grow mold before it dries out thoroughly.
The oven method helps eliminate that worry.
Turn your sculpture a few times in the oven throughout baking time, it could be anywhere from 1 hour to much longer depending on the size.
If your dragon is taking more than a few hours to dry lightly tent it with foil to prevent browning.
Once your sculpture has cooled you can paint the details like the eyes, put a little paint on the scales and wipe off to accentuate them.
Allow your paint to dry and your dragon is ready to fight the fiercest knight or perhaps take a nap in his favorite cave.
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