Beyond the Workshop: How to Extend Learning with Follow-Up Activities
A Teach Rex workshop is an unforgettable experience for pupils. From the moment Jam the T-Rex stomps into the room or a dragon lands via green screen, the energy and engagement are undeniable. But the learning doesn’t stop there. The workshop often lays the foundation for days—or even weeks—of meaningful classroom activity.
How We Do It
With the right follow-up tasks, teachers can build on the excitement, reinforce key learning objectives, and explore the workshop themes across multiple curriculum areas. Here’s how to keep the momentum going and turn a one-day visit into a longer-term learning opportunity.
1. Use the Story as a Writing Stimulus
Each Teach Rex session begins with a strong narrative, whether it’s a dinosaur tale, a mythical dragon adventure, or a conservation story featuring endangered animals. These stories naturally lend themselves to creative and structured writing tasks.
Follow-up ideas:
- Retell the workshop story from a different point of view
- Write a diary entry from the perspective of a character or creature
- Create a sequel, alternative ending, or news report
- Use key vocabulary introduced during the session in independent writing
Many schools report that pupils produce some of their best writing when it’s linked to the workshop, especially when the memory is still fresh.
2. Bring Science into the Spotlight
The Dinosaur and Animal Workshops introduce key scientific concepts like evolution, adaptation, habitats, and food chains. Use this as a springboard for practical science work or group research.
Follow-up ideas:
- Create information posters or fact files about dinosaurs or endangered animals
- Compare body structures across different species
- Investigate animal diets and design food webs
- Explore fossilisation and the prehistoric timeline
This helps reinforce classroom science content in a more engaging, hands-on way.
3. Explore Art, DT, and Design Thinking
The visual nature of the workshops inspires creativity across art and design subjects. From sketching to building, children can express what they’ve learned through imaginative projects.
Follow-up ideas:
- Design your own dinosaur, dragon, or creature and label its features
- Build a model habitat or environment using recycled materials
- Create scenes from the story using collage, paint, or pastels
- Illustrate a picture book version of the workshop story
These tasks also support fine motor skills, design planning, and spatial awareness.
4. Extend ICT and Green Screen Activities
If your pupils used green screen technology or iPads during the workshop, continue that digital journey by developing their own content back in class.
Follow-up ideas:
- Write and record their own scenes using green screen backgrounds
- Create digital storytelling projects or mini documentaries
- Explore basic video editing skills using age-appropriate software
- Pair written work with recorded performances to bring stories to life
It’s a great way to combine literacy, ICT, and speaking & listening skills in one project.
5. Reflect and Discuss with PSHE Links
Many workshops—especially EYFS and Animal sessions—highlight emotions, empathy, teamwork, and our role in protecting the world. Use this to spark discussion and reflection in PSHE lessons.
Follow-up ideas:
- Reflect on how characters in the story felt and why
- Talk about bravery, kindness, and what it means to care for others
- Discuss real-world actions we can take to help animals and the planet
- Use circle time to share favourite moments or feelings from the workshop
These conversations help pupils connect their learning to everyday life.
Keep the Excitement Alive
Follow-up activities reinforce curriculum outcomes, helping children revisit the day’s excitement and feel proud of what they’ve learned. By linking the workshop to your ongoing topics or planning a themed week around it, you can turn one powerful day into a lasting educational experience.
Want More Ideas?
Each Teach Rex workshop comes with a free Curriculum Ideas Pack, developed in partnership with the team at Teachers Pet. These cross-curricular resources are sent to your school before the visit and include:
- Writing frames
- Lesson ideas
- Creative tasks linked directly to the workshop themes
Designed by experienced teaching practitioners, the packs help you plan meaningful activities that extend learning across subjects and fit naturally into your curriculum.
Get in touch if you’d like further resources or to discuss how a workshop could complement your current topics.