Sensory Dinosaur Play to Boost Spoken Language for Little Learners
- Jenny Miller
- Dec 26, 2025
- 3 min read
A hands-on dinosaur sensory bin activity for preschool and early learners. Learn how the I Spy a Dinosaur Egg activity supports spoken language, including for children with hearing loss and cochlear implants.
Hands-on, play-based learning is one of the most powerful ways young children explore the world and it’s especially meaningful for early learners who benefit from multi-sensory experiences. One of our favorite activities is the “I Spy a Dinosaur Egg” activity paired with 3D printed fossils and kinetic sand in a sensory bin. This engaging setup supports fine motor skills, sensory exploration, and spoken language development in a fun and natural way.
What Is the “I Spy a Dinosaur Egg” Activity?
The I Spy a Dinosaur Egg activity includes a set of 10 different visual cards, each with a hidden dinosaur egg. Children use a magnifying glass to carefully search each card and find the egg. This simple but exciting activity encourages focus, visual scanning, and problem-solving while keeping young learners motivated.
Using a magnifying glass helps children slow down, observe details, and stay engaged making it a perfect activity for preschool, homeschool, and early intervention settings.
Extending the Activity With a Dinosaur Sensory Bin
To expand the learning, I created 3D printed dinosaur fossils and added them to a kinetic sand sensory bin. Children can dig, scoop, brush, and uncover fossils just like real paleontologists.
This sensory-rich experience supports:
Fine motor development
Sensory exploration
Pretend and imaginative play
Sustained attention
Most importantly, it creates endless opportunities for meaningful language interaction.
Supporting Spoken Language for Children With Hearing Loss
As a parent of children with hearing loss and cochlear implants, I intentionally design activities that support spoken language development through play. This activity works especially well because it combines visual supports, hands-on learning, and intentional adult language modeling.
Children with hearing loss benefit from:
Face-to-face interaction
Clear, repeated spoken language
Visual cues paired with auditory input
Natural opportunities for turn-taking and conversation
While playing, adults can model simple spoken language such as:
“I see the dinosaur egg.”
“Look with the magnifying glass.”
“Dig in the sand.”
“You found a fossil!”
“Big fossil” / “Small fossil”
Because children are actively engaged, they are more likely to listen, process, and respond—making this an ideal activity for children with cochlear implants or hearing aids.
Great for All Early Learners
While this activity is especially supportive for children with hearing loss, it benefits all preschool and early learners. It naturally supports:
Vocabulary development
Following directions
Expressive and receptive language
Social interaction and play skills
It’s perfect for classrooms, speech therapy sessions, homeschool families, and parent-child play at home.
Simple Setup, Big Learning Impact
All you need is:
The I Spy a Dinosaur Egg 10-card set
A magnifying glass
Kinetic sand
3D printed fossils or dinosaur manipulatives
This easy-to-set-up activity provides rich learning experiences while keeping play fun, meaningful, and inclusive.
Ready to Try This Activity With Your Learners?
Bring hands-on learning and language-rich play into your classroom or home with the I Spy a Dinosaur Egg activity. It’s perfect for preschoolers, early learners, and children with hearing loss who benefit from visual and sensory support.
Click here to download the I Spy a Dinosaur Egg activity on Teachers Pay Teachers
Click here to purchase the 3D printed Dinosaur Fossils https://www.themillercompany.shop/product-page/dinosaur-fossils-for-sensory-play
How to Use the I Spy a Dinosaur Egg Activity at Home
Print and laminate the 10 I Spy cards
Give your child a magnifying glass
Encourage them to search for the hidden dinosaur egg
Talk about what they see using simple spoken language
Extend play by digging for fossils in kinetic sand
Tip for Language Growth: Repeat key words, speak clearly, and give your child time to listen and respond. Follow their interests and keep language fun!
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