How to Make a Clay Stegosaurus Dinosaur

The plated lizard dinosaur, or the stegosaurus, is a fun topic for any child learning about dinosaurs. Instead of running out to your local toy store, easily make a clay dinosaur with your children that will harden to play with later.

Things You'll Need

• Brown clay
• Red clay
• Black clay
• White clay
• Plastic fork

Instructions

1. Form an oblong oval shape of brown clay for the body and then pull up opposing ends to make the long tail and small head.

2. Show your child how to pinch with the thumb and forefinger to make the plates on the back and head that protected the stegosaurus from enemies. Make the plates larger toward the middle of the back. Pinch smaller spikes along the tail all the way down.

3. Roll four balls and then form to make boxy legs making the back legs slightly longer than the front. Use the plastic fork to make little claw markings on all four feet.

4. Take the white and black clay to form some eyes on the small head. Form a small mouth with the handle of the fork and then place white flat teeth and a red tongue.

5. Give the stegosaurus some fork markings to show the muscles on the forelegs or scars from defending itself. Make the creases in the legs to show where the knees bend.

6. Teach your child about the stegosaurus as you build. Talking about stegosaurus facts while building the model will help the child learn and remember this dinosaur.