On this dinosaur themed episode, we’ll stomp and stretch and roar as we imagine being dinosaurs. 🦖🦕
Show Notes
Did you know birds are related to dinosaurs? Read more about it here:
Like You is listener supported. Learn how you can support the show by becoming a patron on Patreon. You can also support the show by shopping in our online store or purchasing songs from the show on our Bandcamp page.
Please send us a voice memo, drawing, or letter at hello@likeyoupodcast.com. We play a voice memos from listeners either at the beginning of an episode or during the affirmation segment of the episode. If your child wants to be included, record a voice memo and send it to us. Your child can introduce themself and then say a favorite affirmation, sing a line from a Like You song, say what they like about the show, or share whatever they feel! Keep it short (10-20 seconds). For more info on how to record and send a voice memo, see this post.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. The show is written and produced by Noah Glenn. The show’s artwork was illustrated by Mia Saine. Episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn.
This episode features original music by Noah Glenn.
Find us here:
Transcript
Noah: Hey everyone! I want to start with a shout out to our supporters on Patreon who help make each episode possible! You can also be a part of helping us produce new episodes by making a small monthly donation at Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. And don’t forget to subscribe to Like You on your favorite podcast app, so you never miss an episode. While you’re at it, you can leave a 5 star review to help other listeners find us. Now let’s start the show!
[intro music]
Noah: Hello! I’m Noah and this is Like You, a mindfulness podcast for kids. I’m so glad you’re here! On this episode we’ll pretend to be dinosaurs as we roar, and stomp, and stretch. So listeners of all ages, find a place to listen where you feel comfortable and safe. As I ask questions and invite you to say affirmations, you’re welcome to speak out loud, or as always, you can just think your responses quietly in your mind.
Let’s start with a breathing exercise. This is a good breathing exercise to try when you’re feeling angry, frustrated, or out of control. What do you do when you feel that way? It may make you feel like you want to hit or throw something. When we’re full of big feelings like that, there’s lots of energy in our bodies that needs to go somewhere. But instead, you can try stepping away from whatever has made you angry and roaring like a dinosaur. It gives your feelings somewhere to go without hurting anyone or throwing anything. So for our breathing exercise, we’ll try a few dino roars.
Let’s get a little inspiration for how our roars could sound. I was hoping to invite a dinosaur on the podcast to give us a demonstration, but it turns out dinosaurs have been extinct for 65 million years, so there are no more around. And they’ve been gone since long before people invented microphones and recording equipment. So instead, I’ve rounded up some sound effects that people have created based on what they imagine dinosaurs may have sounded like. I’ll play a few, and you can listen and come up with your own version of how a dinosaur might roar. [dinosaur roars]
Now that we have a little inspiration, let’s try our dino-roar breathing exercise. Start with a deep breath, filling up your belly with lots of air. Then push that air out in a dinosaur roar. [roar]
Once again, take a long deep breath in. Then let out a roar. [roar]
And another big breath, filling up your tummy. Then one more big roar [roar].
Now let’s imagine the dinosaur is feeling a little calmer. How do you think a totally chill and relaxed dinosaur would sound? Take another deep breath, then make a chill dinosaur growl. [growl] Let’s imagine this dinosaur is so relaxed that it finds some soft fluffy grass to lie down in, and it curls up to get comfy and cozy. Now take one last deep breath, and make a relaxed dinosaur sound. [sigh]
Now that we’ve helped that dino relax, on the count of three let’s all say I like me. 1-2-3. I like me.
I like you too. You are full of interesting and creative thoughts, ideas, and feelings.
Now let’s keep things going with our dinosaur make-believe. We’ll get our whole bodies involved with our imagination. If you’re able to, you can stand up for this part. Let’s try stomping like a dinosaur. Lift your foot up high and stomp it down. Imagine leaving a footprint in the mud each time you take a step. Try a few more Dino-stomps on your own now [dinosaur footsteps]. How do you feel as you stomp like a dinosaur? Does it make you feel big, strong, and powerful? Or do you find it fun and silly to stomp like a dinosaur?
Next let’s do a dinosaur neck stretch. This time imagine you are an herbivore – a plant eating dinosaur. You have a long neck that helps you reach leaves to eat in the treetops. So try stretching your neck out as long as you can. Shoulders down, head up. How long can you stretch your neck Now imagine you’re ready to have a leafy treetop snack. Open your mouth wide, then chomp down on the leaves. Yum. How do you feel after stretching and chomping on a few leaves?
Next we’re going to alternate pretending to be two very different dinosaurs, starting with a Tyrannosaurus Rex. T-Rex had short little arms, so pull your elbows in tight at your side and pretend your arms are short like a T-Rex. But T-Rex is also strong, so hold your hands in a claw shape, and then flex your arm muscles. Your arms should feel tight and tense now. And now we’ll switch to a very different dinosaur, the pterodactyl – a flying dinosaur. So stretch your arms out wide like to giant wings. Relax your arms and gently float them up and down, flapping your wings as you imagine soaring through the sky. Now you should feel loose and relaxed with your arms stretched wide. I bet it feels very different than being a T-Rex. I want you to try switching back and forth from T-Rex to pterodactyl a few times and notice how your body feels when you’re pretending to be each dinosaur. First t-rex. Pull your arms in tight with your elbows at your side, make a claw and flex. Now pterodactyl, loosen up your arms, stretch them wide, and relax them as your soar through the air. Now t-rex! Small, tight, strong, arms and claws. Now pterodactyl! Stretch wide, relax and float through the air.
Great! Now we’re going to wind down our dinosaur imagination time so say good by to your dino friends.
It’s time for affirmations. Affirmations are words you can say about yourself to remind yourself how wonderful you are. You can say them out loud or inside your head. We’ll say each affirmation twice. You can listen the first time, then say it together the second time.
I am powerful.
I am proud of who I am.
My confidence is beautiful.
It is okay to make mistakes.
It is enough to do my best.
I release myself from anger.
I will learn from yesterday and live for today.
Now let’s smile and take a few slow, deep breaths as we wind down our time together. If any of those affirmations stood out to you, feel free to write them down, or just store them safely in your mind to say when you need it. If you have an affirmation that is special to you, I would love to hear it! You can even send a recording of an affirmation to play on the show. Have a grownup check our website or show notes for more info.
I’m going to end today’s podcast with a song. Did you know that people who study dinosaurs believe that modern day birds are descended from dinosaurs? So instead of a dinosaur song, I’m going to sing a song called Flying Like a Bird. While you listen, you can feel free to flap your arms and imagine flying around the room, or you stomp around like a dinosaur and imagine that you’re slowly evolving into a bird. Or of course, you could just relax, take a few deep breaths and listen. It’s up to you.
I’m flying like a bird
I’m flying like a bird
The sky is so blue
And the wind is at my wings
I’m gliding through the air
And it makes me want to sing
I’m flying like a bird
I’m flying like a bird
At first I was a little scared
Of trying something new
But now I’m flying in the sky
And smiling at the view
I’m flying like a bird
I’m flying like a bird
I can’t wait to spend some time together again soon. Until then, I like you, I’m proud of you, and I’m glad we are friends. Have a happy and peaceful day.
Like You is a production of Perpetual Motion. It is made possible by our supporters on Patreon. Become a supporter by visiting Patreon.com/likeyoupodcast. Like You is written and hosted by me, Noah Glenn. I also composed and performed the Like You theme music and other music that appeared in the episode. Our podcast cover art was illustrated by Mia Saine. Our episode art is created by Lindsey Glenn. If you’ve enjoyed the podcast, I hope you’ll tell your friends, and leave us a 5 star review wherever you listen to podcasts. Grownups can find more information about Like You, by visiting our website at likeyoupodcast.com. Thanks for listening.
