Learning from Dragons - 10 Subject-driven Ideas
"Why ‘Appreciate a Dragon Day’ Might Be the Best Lesson Plan You Never Planned"
Did you know January 16th is Appreciate a Dragon Day? 🐉
You would if you were subscribed to the Strewing Calendar!
I'm sharing today's celebration because I want you to see how something as random and playful can be FILLED with opportunities for your homeschooled child to learn more. Every day of the year has a variety of celebrations - all you have to do is tap into them. When you subscribe to the Strewing Calendar, you can hang your printed copy on the refrigerator, or anywhere your family is looking. THEY can see something interesting to explore - and you don't have to do much at all!!
Here are some creative ways to weave dragons into your day— AND see the learning that's happening with all the fun!
(A sneak peek at how our Strewing Calendar can inspire even more magical moments in your homeschool)
10 Subjects Kids Learn with Appreciate a Dragon Day
1. Language Arts: Dragon Tales and Descriptive Writing
- Read a classic dragon book or a new favorite, like The Hobbit or Dragonology.
- Encourage kids to make up their own dragon-themed stories. Younger kids can describe their dragon’s features, while older ones can craft a full adventure.
- Explore symbolism: What do dragons represent in different cultures?
2. Math: Dragon Measurements
- Estimate the size of a dragon based on your kids’ imaginations or the stories you read.
- Calculate flight speeds, wing spans, or even how much food a dragon might eat in a day.
3. Science: The Biology of Dragons
- Dive into the science behind fire-breathing: Could it be biological? Talk about real-world animals with fascinating adaptations.
- Study flight mechanics by comparing dragon wings to bird or bat anatomy.
4. Social Studies: Dragons Around the World
- Explore myths and legends about dragons in different cultures, from Chinese dragons to European wyverns.
- Learn how dragons influenced history, art, and storytelling in these regions.
5. Art: Create Your Own Dragon
- Pull out the craft supplies and encourage your kids to design their own dragons using paint, clay, or recycled materials.
- Experiment with digital art or make a stop-motion video featuring their dragon creations.
6. Geography: Mapping Dragon Habitats
- Research where dragons might live based on their features: mountains, caves, or forests?
- Draw a map of a fictional world with dragon habitats, adding rivers, mountains, and towns.
7. Music: Dragon-Inspired Soundscapes
- Listen to music from movies featuring dragons, like How to Train Your Dragon or Pete’s Dragon.
- Create a dragon “theme song” using instruments or everyday objects as percussion.
8. Physical Activity: Dragon Roleplay
- Turn your backyard into a dragon-training ground. Kids can pretend to fly, breathe fire, or defend their lairs.
- Set up an obstacle course for “dragons” to navigate.
9. Cooking: Feast Like a Dragon
- Make dragon-themed snacks: dragon fruit smoothies, fireball cupcakes, or scaly cookies.
- Try a recipe inspired by a country with dragon mythology, like Chinese dumplings or Welsh cakes.
10. Critical Thinking: Dragon Dilemmas
- Pose questions like: Should dragons be protected or feared? How would humans coexist with dragons?
- Encourage your kids to debate or problem-solve as if dragons were real.
Pinterest!
Dive deeper into these ideas with suggestions on the
Unschooling Mom2Mom Pinterest board:
Crafts | Movie Suggestions | Books | Games | Activities | Snack Ideas
Seeing this AFTER January 16th?
Even if you miss the ACTUAL date, you and the kids can still have fun with this.
Turn it into "In January we celebrate Dragons!" or "Let's declare TODAY the day we appreciate dragons at our house!"
Other Suggestions?
Do you have other movie or book suggestions? I have some collected at Pinterest, but we can add more here!
Make Every Day Magical
... with the Strewing Calendar
Appreciate a Dragon Day is just one example of the fun, engaging topics featured in our Strewing Calendar.
Each month is packed with creative, (and yes, educational!) ideas to make homeschooling exciting and stress-free.
When you subscribe, you’ll get:
- Daily prompts like this one to inspire curiosity.
- Access to an exclusive portal that connects activities to key learning areas.
- A framework that brings joy and structure to your homeschool.
Don’t let planning weigh you down—let us help you make homeschooling more fun and connected.
📅 Ready to Join the Adventure?
Subscribe to the Strewing Calendar Today!
Let’s make this year full of curiosity, connection, and creativity for your family.
Who knows what you’ll discover next? 🐉✨
