Appreciate a Dragon Day
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Enjoy the Wonder of Dragons on Appreciate a Dragon Day!
Appreciate a Dragon Day is celebrated every year on January 16th, and its main aim is to boost children's literacy by encouraging them to read and create things about their favourite fictional dragons.
Of course, there are all kinds of ways to get involved, whether you are a child or an adult. If you love dragons, find lots of ideas for dragon activities, books, games, parties and more, right here!
Even though Appreciate a Dragon Day has gone by for this year, you can still use this page to find ideas for dragon-themed events and activities. 2012 is also the Year of the Dragon, so there's never been a better time to appreciate a dragon!
Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons
This work is the copyright of the author, MissMerFaery (2012). Please DO NOT copy this elsewhere either in print or online. Images courtesy of Fotolia unless otherwise stated. First published: 2 January 2012
Contents at a Glance
- When is Appreciate a Dragon Day?
- Who Invented Appreciate a Dragon Day?
- Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
- Appreciate a Dragon Gallery
- Sail Away on the Imagination of a Dragon
- Activity Ideas for Appreciate a Dragon D...
- Learn About Dragons on Appreciate a Drag...
- Best Dragon Books for Appreciate a Drago...
- Puff the Magic Dragon
When is Appreciate a Dragon Day?
Countdown to Appreciate a Dragon Day
Dreams of Dragons
How Exactly do you Appreciate a Dragon?
Dragon's Dream
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After all, they're not your average cute and cuddly animal, are they? According to many stories, they would sooner burn you to a crisp with one breath of fire than be your buddy. But are dragons misunderstood? Do we need more dragon appreciation in the world? I think we do!
Powerful, majestic, and definitely not always bad, dragons are beautiful and amazing creatures that inspire writers, artists and many others. From Puff the Magic Dragon, to Dungeons & Dragons, fantasy dragon art, to cute cartoon dragons, fire-breathing leviathans, to incredible dancing Chinese dragons, there is a dragon for everyone! Let us embark on a journey into the realm of dragons, and appreciate their very fine form in every way!
Who Invented Appreciate a Dragon Day?
All About Dragonspell and Donita K. Paul
Appreciate a Dragon Day was created in 2004 by the author Donita K. Paul, to celebrate the release of her first book in the Dragon Keepers series, Dragonspell. She has since gone on to write five books in the series, as well as other dragon novels.
The spirit of Appreciate a Dragon Day is to get kids involved in literacy, art and reading. The main aim is for children to choose a favourite dragon from literature and get creative - read about them, write about them, draw them, paint them, make them - all kinds!
Donita's official website encourages children and parents to submit their creations to a gallery, and there are tons of ideas, resources, books and more to be found. Schools and libraries are also encouraged to create displays, read dragon books and come up with dragon projects for children to get involved in. Fantasy is a hugely popular genre for kids and a great way to get kids into books!
Dragonspell by Donita K. Paul
The Source of Appreciate a Dragon Day!
DragonSpell (Dragon Keepers Chronicles, Book 1)
Amazon Price: $4.70 (as of 02/22/2012)
After 14 years as a slave girl, Kale is free, thanks to a dragon's egg. Her destiny is now to become a servant of Paladin, but her journey is far from smooth, and leads to the discovery of more dragon eggs, and a meeting with dragon-riders who become her friends and teachers. Two dragons hatch and become her closest companions, and to them, Kale is more than she ever thought possible - she is the last of the great Allerion dragon-keepers.
The Dragon Keeper Series by Dontia K. Paul
Origins of Appreciate a Dragon Day!
Sail Away on the Imagination of a Dragon
Literacy for Kids on Appreciate a Dragon Day
Dragon Ship
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Whether you are a parent, teacher or librarian, Appreciate a Dragon Day is a fantastic and fun way to encourage children to get into books, and explore their imagination and creativity around stories.
On January 16th, get children to choose their favourite dragon from literature (think Puff the Magic dragon for little ones, for example, or Saphira from Eragon for older readers) and then ask them to share that dragon in some artistic form. They could write a story or poem, create a picture, make a model or mark, or any other number of imaginative ways. They could even create a puppet show, collage, mosaic or game! The more creative the better!
Also get them reading a favourite dragon book, or help them choose a new one. At school, everyone could bring in or nominate their favourite dragon story, and then swap it with someone else, so everyone gets to read a great new story they haven't read before!
Appreciate a Dragon Day Ideas for Parents, Schools and Libraries
- Read a short dragon-themed story aloud. A group of children could take it in turns to read parts
- Challenge kids to read a brand new dragon book
- Ask children to write a story based around their favourite dragon
- Get kids to create their favourite dragon in art. Thinking drawing, painting, sculpture, Lego, paper mache, masks, collage, mosiac, mixed media, knitting, sewing, puppets - the list is endless!
- Have a dragon quiz
- Hold a dragon treasure hunt, to find the dragon's hoard!
- Use stories, props, games and more, and have everyone learn how to become a dragonologist for the day!
- Learn about one or more dragons from different cultures and mythologies
- Stage a dragon-themed puppet show, dance, play or musical
- Ask children to write a poem, song or even a rap about a dragon!
- Play dragon games or provide dragon activities - find lots of ideas in the activity section further down the page
- Make dragon food - think spicy dragon's breath dip, dragon cupcakes and cookies, or even Harry Potter dragon snot!
- Have a dragon party
- Schools could run a dragon project, competition and more, themed around a dragon book or character
- Libraries could display dragon books and posters, and offer a dragon game, crafts, competition or challenge
- Watch a dragon movie or cartoon
- Have a dragon parade! You could even try making a Chinese dragon!
- Make shields with dragon coat of arms
- Learn about dragons in history and legend, such as George and the Dragon
- Make a dragon toy
- Try origami and make a folded dragon out of paper
- Make a dragon costume, or create a giant dragon that everyone can carry along together
- Learn about REAL dragons, or even visit them if you have the resources nearby - find a Komodo dragon at your local zoo, or learn about bearded dragons at specialist pet stores or animal centers!
- If there is a local exhibition, art display, event or other attraction nearby that features dragons, go visit it!
- Take lots of pictures and make a dragon's cave gallery of what everyone makes!
Do you love Appreciate a Dragon Day?
Ever heard of Appreciate a Dragon Day before? Love the idea? Going to celebrate?
Activity Ideas for Appreciate a Dragon Day
Dragon Fun, Games and Activities
Rogue Dragon
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Show your appreciation for all things dragon by enjoying lots of dragon activities! Think games, coloring, puzzles, quizzes, crafts, recipes, costumes, or even entire parties!
Here are some ideas and resources to set your imagination on fire!
Dragon Resources and Ideas
- Appreciate a Dragon Day Activities
- Overview of activity ideas from the official Donita K Paul website
- Appreciate a Dragon Day Bright Ideas
- Oodles of resources for making dragon things! Think masks, costumes, puppets, kites, shields, statues, models, origami, lanterns and much more!
- Appreciate a Dragon Day Gallery
- Get inspiration from others who have made dragons to celebrate AADD! Or why not send in pictures of your own creations?
- Printable Dragon Coloring Pages for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- Lots of coloring pages of dragons in different styles and poses to suit all tastes and ages!
- Dragon Crafts for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- Dragon Tales crafts for kids, including how to make different dragon character models from such simple things as empty toilet roll tubes!
- Dragon Crafts and Puppets for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- More dragon crafts and makes, including a movable dragon puppet, dragon boat, pull along dragon and dragon eggs!
- How to Make an Origami Dragon for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- Step by step origami folding to make a cool green dragon
- Dragon Game Ideas for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- This dragon party guide includes ideas for games and activities, such as Chase the Dragon's Tail, Cross the Moat and Train your Dragons!
- How to Train your Dragon Quiz for Appreciate a Dragon Day
- Downloadable or printable quiz based on the popular book/film, How to Train your Dragon
Learn About Dragons on Appreciate a Dragon Day!
All About Dragons
- Types of Dragons
- Green, red, or white like snow, but which is friend and which is foe?
- The Chinese Dragon
- All about the Chinese dragon in mythology, the zodiac and more
- Japanese Dragons
- Facts about the types of Japanese dragon
- Bearded Dragons
- Learn all about the type of real dragon you can keep as a pet, and what you need to know about taking care of them!
- Komodo Dragons
- All about the nearest thing you can find to a real dragon!
- Dragons in Mythology
- Dragon myths and legends from around the world, plus dragons in the Bible
- Western Dragons
- European and Western dragons, from wyverns and worms to water dragons
How to be a Dragonologist
Dragonology: The Complete Book of Dragons (Ologies)
Amazon Price: $7.00 (as of 02/22/2012)
This is a brilliant book for both children and adults (and yes, this very grown-up dragon-lover has a copy on her bookshelf!)
It's full of dragon information as well as being a visual feast, with lots of interactive flaps, mini booklets, dragon scales and skin to touch and pouches of dragon dust! As with all the "Ology" books, this is a great read and well worth buying a copy!
Best Dragon Books for Appreciate a Dragon Day
Best Dragon Stories for Kids
Pop Up Puff the Magic Dragon Book
Puff, the Magic Dragon Pop-Up
Amazon Price: $14.40 (as of 02/22/2012)
Who can forget first listening to, or reading, Puff the Magic Dragon? Countless children frolicked with Puff and Jackie in Honalee, and this beautiful pop-up edition is a superb reason to add the story to your collection!
Celebrate Appreciate a Dragon Day with a Dragon Party!
Dragon Party Supplies and Ideas
Why not throw a dragon-themed party? There's no need to wait for birthdays when you have dragons to appreciate!
There is a wide range of party products available. Click the image above to find How to Train your Dragon party supplies.
Birthday in a Box offers general dragon party supplies and other themes. They also have fun items like dragon masks and pinatas available!
In addition to dragon partyware, you could have kids dress up in dragon costumes or as knights with dragon shields, play dragon games (see activities section for ideas), serve dragon party food and cake, hold a dragon quiz, make dragon crafts or engage in activities and printable fun, make a dragon, book a dragon puppet theatre and much more!
Dragon - Symbol of Transformation and Power
Appreciate your Inner Dragon
Dragon Moon
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As well as serving the wonderful purpose of encouraging children to read, Appreciate a Dragon Day can be, well, appreciated by adults as well!
Dragons are symbols of strength, fortitude and courage. Their fiery nature also means they are symbols of transformation. Spiritually, dragons are messengers of balance and can help strengthen psychic ability. They are rulers of all four elements and therefore embody primordial power, and as a "totem" they offer strength, wisdom, bravery and empowerment. They can also bring magic into our lives and encourage us to be peaceful warriors - standing up for ourselves, but in a constructive and harmonious way.
Dragons can be a powerful ally and if you want to work with their energy, you can call upon your dragon totem through meditation. Look at dragon images and read about them - this can help draw them into your life.
Double Dragon Celebration - 2012 is the Year of the Dragon!
Appreciate a Dragon in January 2012 - and all year long!
Water Dragon years occur every 60 years, and the energetic high point of the year is May 20th to June 18th, which falls under the "Dragon" moon.
The water dragon heralds good fortune, unlike the harbingers of doom who mistakenly believe the world is going to end in 2012.
Spiritually, dragons are also connected with 2012 in that it is thought that, rather than actually ending, the planet is shifting into an era of new consciousness and a higher vibration of energy. Dragon energy is associated with this period of transformation and freedom.
Drawing on Dragon Energy in 2012
Riding the Dragon: 10 Lessons for Inner Strength in Challenging Times
Amazon Price: $8.12 (as of 02/22/2012)
"Don't slay your dragons, learn to ride them!
Drawing on Eastern and Western traditions, psychologist and best-selling author Robert Wicks offers help with life s difficulties the dragons that escape from the cave. In this book you ll find guidance and encouragement to engage your problems and grow through them, to ride those dragons rather than slay them or drive them back into the cave."
Best Dragon Books For Appreciate a Dragon Day
Dragon Stories for Adults
Taming the Dragon
The Dragon is your Friend - Appreciate Him!
Red Dragon
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So, are you convinced, dear reader? Are you ready to journey into the sky of unlimited possibilities, empowered by the mighty force of your new friend, the dragon?
Let him take you, your kids and your imagination to giddy heights, bringing forth a sea of creativity, reading fun, and most importantly of all, lots of very grand adventures. See you in the skies!
Find Dragon Gifts for Appreciate a Dragon Day
Thanks for Reading about Appreciate a Dragon Day!
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Would you Appreciate a Dragon?
Leave your Comments and Feedback here!
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KonaGirl
Feb 20, 2012 @ 2:43 pm | delete
- Even if I wasn't a Dragon child, I would still love this lens. Such a fabulous job you have done creating this one. I love the images and everything you have thought of to make this day a celebration to remember! *Squid Angel Blessed* and added to My Squid Angel Blessings 2012 to the "Holidays & Celebrations ยป Wacky Holidays " neighborhood. <>
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Li-Li-ThePinkBookworm
Jan 31, 2012 @ 4:55 pm | delete
- Cool lens! Lots of great information and fun stuff.
Li Li
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Debs
Jan 24, 2012 @ 9:42 am | delete
- wonderful lens...as a child i was always rather disturbed by the idea of st.george slaying the dragon!
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fugeecat
Jan 19, 2012 @ 10:22 pm | delete
- I love the idea of dragon day.
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sheezie77
Jan 16, 2012 @ 3:39 am | delete
- great lens! thumbs up for you
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About the Author of "Appreciate a Dragon Day"
More from MissMerFaery on Squidoo
She has made the Squidoo Top Five, received 21 Purple Star awards, and won Lens of the Day four times, for Cooking with Herbs and Spices, Fall Soup for the Kitchen Witch, 101 Best Baked Potato Toppings, and Argo, Trusty Warrior Steed.
In the wonderful world of Squidoo, MissMerFaery is a Giant Squid 100, RocketMom, and SquidAngel. She writes about everything from tasty recipes, craft tutorials, kids activities and UK travel guides, to topics such as spirituality, parenting, environmental issues, and writing. For easy browsing of all her lenses by category, check out her Lensography!
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by MissMerFaery
As a dragon-lover and former Librarian I was delighted to learn about Appreciate a Dragon Day. It's such a fun way to get kids inspired and getting cr... more »
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Appreciate a Dragon with a Cuddle!
Melissa and Doug Cuddly Dragon
Melissa & Doug Dragon Plush
Amazon Price: $32.16 (as of 02/22/2012)
Help your kids appreciate a dragon with this gorgeous plush dragon friend! Ideal for creative and imaginative play, and for incorporating into a fun dragon activity on Appreciate a Dragon Day, such as a puppet theatre, play, or reenactment of a favourite dragon story!
Appreciate your Dragon Books
with these fabulous dragon bookends!
Fierce Dragon Bookends - Style 37978
Amazon Price: $13.99 (as of 02/22/2012)
Keep your dragon books nice and tidy, as well as looking fabulous, with these amazing dragon bookends! You'll be able to find all your favourite dragon books for Appreciate a Dragon Day and beyond!
Get Arty for Appreciate a Dragon Day!
How to Draw Dragons
Dracopedia: A Guide to Drawing the Dragons of the World
Amazon Price: $15.00 (as of 02/22/2012)
If you enjoy drawing and painting fantasy creatures then you'll love this book. From anatomy of all the different dragon families, to a host of stunning paintings to learn to recreate, this is the ultimate gift for the dragon artist!
