Dragon Pathfinder

Catch a Dragon

by the Tale...

Everybody knows what a dragon is: an enormous, fierce, bloodthirsty creature appearing in fairy tales and legends as an accessory whose main function is to set off the bravery of a knight challenging him. Dragon is a legendary beast in the folklore of many European and Asian cultures. Legends describe dragons as large lizard-like creatures that breathe fire and have a long, scaly tail. In Europe, dragons are traditionally portrayed as ferocious beasts that represent the evils fought by human beings. But in Asia, especially in Chinaand Japan, the animals are generally considered friendly creatures that ensure good luck and wealth. Using this pathfinder teachers will discover clever and creative ways to implement the dragon in the classroom. There’s even an art activity on the back where students can make their own dragon to take home.

Curriculum Reference Books

Curr/Ref SocStu S326c 1996	China After reading the book “The City of Dragons”, students can make dragon masks or a dragon kite, and play the dragon game too!! These introductory activities would be great to include in a unit on China and teaching about the traditions celebrated through Chinese New Year.	Curr/Ref LangArts G216l 1993	Literature-Based Homework: Ready-to-use Homework activities for the Primary Teacher After reading “Eyes of the Dragon” engage students in these fun homework activities in writing and problem-solving. Students will also enjoy the dragon crunch game using beans or pebbles, to further develop their logic and math skills.
Bltnbds S761 1989	Bulletin Boards Plus by Robyn Freedman Dragon Bulletin board ideas that will get your students “all fired up.”	Curr/Ref B798c 1993	Cultural Awareness Through Literature: Activities to accompany 33 pieces of Children’s Literature “Emma’s Dragon Hunt.” pg. 158-159; students can make the story come alive by holding a mock interview, writing what it would be like to have a magic dragon, and creating their own dragon kite.

General Reference
-Folio Collection-

Folio PS3563 .A255 D7634 1984

The Atlas of Pern: A Complete Guide to Anne McCaffrey’s Wonderful World of Dragons and Dragonriders by Karen Wynn Fonstad
This is the key to unlock the mysteries of the imagination. Here readers will discover Pern and its inhabitants, its history, its trials, and triumphs as intimately a one can the history of another era or another world.

Children Folio Fic B299d

The Discovery of Dragons by Graeme Base (a.k.a. Rowland W. Greasebeam, B.Sc)
Venture into the enchanted world of dragons to confront the horrifying Welsh Red Dragon, the delicate Japanese Butterfly lizard, and the scaly Eastern Temple Worm. Learn of three intrepid adventurers who, fearlessly, discovered some of the most dazzling dragons that ever lived.

Children's Books

Children Easy W189c	Chin Chiang and the Dragon’s Dance written and illustrated by Ian Wallace Chin Chian has long dreamed of dancing at the dragon’s dance, but when the first day of the year of the dragon arrives and he is to dance with his grandfather, he is sure he will shame his family and bring bad luck to everyone.	Children Easy T327P	The Popcorn Dragon written by Jane Thayer and illustrated by Lisa McGue Though his hot breath is the envy of all other animals, a young dragon learns that showing off does not make friends. It is amazing what a dragon can do with a little hot air and a few kernals of corn.
Children Easy P337o	One Dragon’s Dream by Peter Pavey The reader can count items from 1 to 10 included in dragon’s dream. Teachers can use this book to demonstrate rhyming pairs.	Children Easy S622k	Komodo by Peter Sis A Young boy who loves dragons ventures off with his parents in a search to see a real Komodo Dragon. This book not only tells a story, but reveals factual information about the Komodo dragon.

Periodicals

Actbks M219b 1999-2000

Mailbox Kindergarten: The Idea Magazine for Teachers 1999-2000 Yearbook
Beginning on pg. 96, students can make a rainbow tail book, participate in show and tell using Rainbow dragon’s wagon, sing Rainbow’s song, create a home fit for a dragon, make and eat dragon puffs, and mix different colors to make rainbow stew. Children’s books are listed too

Actbks M219b 1998-1999

Mailbox Kindergarten: The Idea Magazine for Teachers 1998-1999 Yearbook
Use this unit of Ideas beginning on pg. 88 to welcome your new court of kindergarten kids to a kingdom full of fun-filled adventure in learning.

Celebrate Chinese New Year with colorful good luck head gear.

Dragon Mask

	Materials 6 by 30 inch piece of yellow poster board Sheets of different colored craft paper glue stapler scissors Note: Streamers or ribbons optional.
	Directions Step 1. Starting at the back, wrap the poster board around your students head and staple together the sides an inch or two from their forehead.
	Step 2. Remove the poster board and make the dragon’s face by gluing together the poster board flaps that project from the browband( the browband will serve as the dragons neck)
	Step 3. Cut out the dragon’s mouth and contour the top of its face. Glue craft paper scales onto its neck, face and chin. Add paper eyes, flaring nostrils, teeth, and horns.
Designed and created by: Rachelle Maria Ulloa Patino Crosby Haiola	Step 4. Finally, glue the base of a red paper flame to its lower jaw. For extra fun and color, tie long lengths of ribbon or streamers along the students arms.