"We Are the Dinosaurs" is widely recognized as the definitive anthem of modern children’s music. Written and performed by Laurie Berkner, often hailed as the "Queen of Kindie Rock," this song has transcended its origins as a simple track on a 1997 album to become a global cultural touchstone for toddlers, preschoolers, and educators. It is more than just a melody; it is a movement-based experience that encourages imaginative play, physical coordination, and emotional release.

The song follows a group of dinosaurs as they march across the earth, stop to eat, take a rest in their nests, and—most importantly—let out a thunderous roar. Its success lies in its rhythmic simplicity and the way it empowers children to inhabit the persona of a "big and heavy" creature. Whether it is being played during a "brain break" in a classroom or at a high-energy living room dance party, the song’s impact on early childhood development and family bonding is unparalleled.

The Artist Behind the Roar: Laurie Berkner

To understand the staying power of "We Are the Dinosaurs," one must look at the career of Laurie Berkner. Before becoming a household name, Berkner was a preschool music teacher in New York City. Her time in the classroom provided her with a unique laboratory to observe how children interact with sound. She realized that traditional nursery rhymes often lacked the driving rhythm and agency that contemporary children craved.

In the late 1990s, Berkner began writing songs that treated children with musical respect. "We Are the Dinosaurs" was a standout track because it didn't talk down to its audience. It used a steady, marching beat—reminiscent of a rock song—that allowed children to feel powerful. Berkner’s background in education is evident in every measure of the song; she knows exactly when to build the tension and when to offer a moment of quiet rest.

By the time the song appeared on her 2003 album Rocketship Run and gained massive exposure through networks like Nick Jr., it had already been road-tested by thousands of children. Berkner’s ability to blend high-quality musical production with developmental psychology is what transformed this song from a simple ditty into a cornerstone of the "Kindie Rock" genre.

Breaking Down the Lyrics: Why the Song Works

The lyrics of "We Are the Dinosaurs" are deceptively simple, yet they follow a sophisticated narrative arc that aligns perfectly with a child’s attention span and physical capabilities.

The Power of the March

The song begins with the iconic refrain: “We are the dinosaurs, marching, marching / We are the dinosaurs, whaddaya think of that?”

The word "marching" is the primary directive. In a classroom setting, this is a call to action. It signals the transition from a sedentary state to an active one. The repetition of the phrase helps children predict what is coming next, which builds confidence. The line “We make the earth flat” is a favorite among young listeners. While not scientifically accurate, it captures the raw, imaginative power of being a giant creature. It gives a child—who is usually the smallest person in the room—the feeling of being massive and influential.

The Social Component of Eating

“We stop and eat our food, when we’re in the mood / We stop and eat our food on the ground.”

This section introduces the concept of self-regulation and basic needs. It mirrors a child’s daily routine. By singing about eating, Berkner anchors the fantastical world of dinosaurs in the relatable reality of a toddler’s life. In many classrooms, teachers use this verse to transition into snack time or to teach the importance of pausing activities for nourishment.

The Importance of Rest

“We stop and take a rest, over in our nest / We stop and take a rest at the end of the day.”

Music therapists often point to this verse as a crucial component of the song’s success. It teaches "stop and go" dynamics. After the high energy of marching, children must learn to lower their heart rates and find stillness. The "nest" imagery is comforting and safe, providing a psychological reset before the final, energetic climax.

The Climactic Roar

The song culminates in a loud, joyous roar. For a child, this is more than just a sound; it is an emotional release. It is a moment of pure, unadulterated self-expression. In an era where children are often told to be quiet or "use their indoor voices," this song provides a structured, safe environment to be loud and boisterous.

What Is the Meaning of We Are the Dinosaurs?

Beyond the literal description of prehistoric reptiles, "We Are the Dinosaurs" is about agency and identity. In the world of the song, the dinosaurs are independent, confident, and purposeful. They decide when to march, when to eat, and when to rest.

For a three-year-old, the world is often a place where they have very little control. They are told when to wake up, what to wear, and where to go. By singing "We Are the Dinosaurs," they step into a role where they are the masters of their environment. The question "Whaddaya think of that?" is a defiant, playful challenge to the world, asserting their presence and their power.

Furthermore, the song serves as an early introduction to storytelling. It has a clear beginning (marching/adventure), middle (sustenance and rest), and end (the triumphant roar). This narrative structure helps develop early literacy skills as children learn to sequence events through music.

The Visual Evolution: From Song to Picture Book

In 2017, the song took on a new life when it was adapted into a picture book illustrated by the acclaimed artist Ben Clanton. This collaboration brought a new layer of depth to Berkner's lyrics.

Ben Clanton’s Artistic Vision

Clanton, known for his popular Narwhal and Jelly series, brought a whimsical and modern aesthetic to the prehistoric cast. Instead of terrifying, hyper-realistic monsters, Clanton’s dinosaurs are expressive, colorful, and adorned with accessories like backpacks and hats. This choice makes the characters immediately accessible to the book’s target audience (ages 4 to 8).

Expanding the Narrative

The book follows a specific group of young dinosaurs who head out on an adventure, leaving their parents behind (though the parents are often seen watching from a distance, providing a sense of security). The illustrations fill in the gaps between the lyrics, showing the dinosaurs encountering obstacles, sharing food, and finding a cozy spot to rest.

For parents, the book serves as a bridge between active play and bedtime reading. You can "sing" the book during the day to burn off energy, and "read" the book at night as a familiar, soothing story. The inclusion of additional dialogue and sound effects in the illustrations encourages "dialogic reading," where the parent and child engage in a conversation about the pictures.

Developmental Benefits of the Song and Book

"We Are the Dinosaurs" is frequently cited by early childhood experts as a tool for various developmental milestones.

1. Gross Motor Skills

The primary action—marching—is essential for developing gross motor skills. It requires balance, coordination, and rhythm. When children stomp their feet in time with the music, they are practicing "bilateral integration," which is the ability to use both sides of the body together.

2. Auditory Processing and Rhythm

The steady 4/4 beat of the song is easy for young ears to track. Learning to keep time with music is a foundational skill for later mathematical understanding and language acquisition. The song’s use of "staccato" (sharp, detached marching) and "legato" (the smoother resting phase) introduces children to basic musical concepts.

3. Emotional Intelligence

The "resting" and "roaring" phases of the song act as a form of emotional regulation. It teaches children that it is okay to be big and loud, but also necessary to be quiet and calm. This "up and down" of the music mirrors the natural ebb and flow of a child’s emotional state.

4. Imaginative Play

By taking on the role of a dinosaur, children are engaging in "symbolic play." This is a critical stage in cognitive development where a child understands that one thing can stand for another (e.g., "I am a dinosaur," or "this rug is a nest"). This type of play is the precursor to abstract thinking.

How to Use We Are the Dinosaurs in the Classroom

Teachers have utilized this song for decades to manage classroom transitions and promote engagement. Here are several ways to incorporate "We Are the Dinosaurs" into an educational setting.

The "Brain Break"

When a class has been sitting for too long, they often become restless. Playing this song provides a structured "brain break." It allows students to stand up, move their bodies, and release pent-up energy. The clear "rest" verse also makes it easy for the teacher to transition the students back to their seats once the song ends.

Dinosaur Unit Studies

For many preschoolers, dinosaurs are their first intense interest. This song serves as a perfect "hook" for a science unit. Teachers can use the song to introduce concepts such as:

  • Herbivores vs. Carnivores: What are the dinosaurs eating in the song?
  • Paleontology: How do we know how dinosaurs moved?
  • Habitats: What would a dinosaur "nest" look like?

Sensory Bin Integration

Teachers often set up "We Are the Dinosaurs" sensory bins. These might include plastic dinosaur figures, "flat earth" (sand or playdough), and small sticks or leaves for "nests." Playing the song while children interact with these materials creates a multi-sensory learning experience.

Music and Movement Classes

In a dedicated music class, students can use rhythm sticks or hand drums to mimic the "marching" beat. They can learn to play loudly during the marching and softly during the resting verse, teaching them about volume and dynamics.

Living Room Dance Parties: Advice for Parents

At home, "We Are the Dinosaurs" is a tool for survival. Many parents use the song as a way to engage with their children during the "witching hour"—that period in the late afternoon when everyone is tired and irritable.

Join the March

The most effective way to experience this song is to participate. When a parent marches alongside their child, it validates the child’s play. It creates a shared moment of joy. Don't be afraid to roar loudly; it shows your child that you are present in their world.

Create a Dinosaur Parade

Use household items to enhance the experience. A cardboard box can become a dinosaur nest. A kitchen spoon can be a "dino bone." Turning the song into a "parade" that moves through the house can turn a rainy day into an adventure.

Managing Transitions

If you are struggling to get your child to the dinner table or to the bathtub, try "marching" like a dinosaur. Using the rhythm of the song to move from one room to another makes the transition feel like a game rather than a chore.

Musical Analysis: Why It Stays in Your Head

From a musicology perspective, "We Are the Dinosaurs" is a masterclass in "earworms." It uses a simple, descending melodic line in the chorus that is very easy for the human brain to memorize.

The instrumentation is also key. The original recording features an acoustic guitar and a prominent bass line that provides the "thumping" sound of the dinosaur footsteps. Laurie Berkner’s vocal delivery is clear and enunciated, which is vital for children who are still developing their language skills. She sings with an "infant-directed" quality—often called "motherese"—which is naturally more engaging to young listeners.

The song also utilizes "call and response" elements, even if only implied. When Berkner asks "Whaddaya think of that?", the silence that follows is an invitation for the child to shout back or stomp. This interactive quality keeps the listener from being a passive consumer of the music.

The Cultural Impact of Kindie Rock

Before the late 90s, children’s music was often divided into two categories: classic folk songs (like "The Wheels on the Bus") or overly produced, saccharine television tie-ins. The "Kindie Rock" movement, led by artists like Laurie Berkner, Dan Zanes, and Elizabeth Mitchell, changed the landscape.

They created music that parents could actually enjoy. "We Are the Dinosaurs" has a garage-rock energy that wouldn't feel out of place on an indie radio station. This shift in quality meant that parents were more likely to play the music in the car or at home, leading to a deeper integration of these songs into family life.

The song has been featured on Sesame Street, Yo Gabba Gabba!, and in countless live performances. Its reach is global, with Spanish-language versions ("Somos los Dinosaurios") helping it reach a whole new demographic of young marchers.

Common Questions About We Are the Dinosaurs

Who wrote the song We Are the Dinosaurs?

The song was written and performed by Laurie Berkner. It was first released in 1997 on her debut album Whaddaya Think of That? and later featured on the 2003 album Rocketship Run.

Is there a book based on the song?

Yes. In 2017, Simon & Schuster published a picture book version of We Are the Dinosaurs, featuring the song's lyrics as the text and illustrations by Ben Clanton.

What age group is this song for?

While it is most popular with children aged 2 to 6, its catchy rhythm and movement-based play often appeal to children as old as 8, especially when used in a classroom or camp setting.

Why do children like dinosaurs so much?

Psychologists call this "intense interests." Dinosaurs are a perfect subject for children because they are "safe monsters." They are big, powerful, and a bit scary, but they are also extinct, meaning they pose no actual threat to the child. This allows children to explore feelings of fear and power from a safe distance.

What are the movements for the song?

  1. Marching: Stomp feet in a steady rhythm, moving around the room.
  2. Eating: Squat down or use hands to mimic eating food from the ground.
  3. Resting: Lie down, close eyes, or curl into a "nest."
  4. Roaring: Stand up and let out a loud roar with arms raised like claws.

Summary of the Song’s Legacy

"We Are the Dinosaurs" has survived for over two decades because it understands the heart of a child. It respects their need for movement, their desire for power, and their requirement for routine. Laurie Berkner managed to capture a universal childhood experience and set it to a beat that is impossible not to stomp to.

From its humble beginnings in a New York City classroom to its status as a staple of the American childhood experience, the song continues to bring families together. It proves that you don't need complex lyrics or high-tech gadgets to entertain a child. Sometimes, all you need is a good rhythm, a place to march, and the permission to roar.

Whether you are a teacher looking to burn off some afternoon energy or a parent trying to make a car ride more bearable, "We Are the Dinosaurs" is a reliable, high-quality tool in your parenting or teaching toolkit. Whaddaya think of that?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What instruments are used in the song?

The Laurie Berkner Band typically uses acoustic guitar, bass, and piano to create the song's signature sound. The piano often provides the rhythmic "plink" that mimics the playful nature of the dinosaurs, while the bass and guitar provide the heavy stomping rhythm.

How long is the song?

The standard version of the song lasts approximately 2 minutes and 15 seconds. This is the "sweet spot" for toddler attention spans—long enough to get a good workout, but short enough to keep them from losing interest.

Are there other versions of the song?

Yes, Laurie Berkner has released several versions, including live recordings and a Spanish version titled "Somos los Dinosaurios." Other children's artists, like Trout Fishing in America, have songs with the same title, but their lyrics and melodies are entirely different.

Can I use the book for a library storytime?

Absolutely. The book is a favorite for library storytimes because it encourages "whole-body involvement." Librarians often play the song and have the children march through the book stacks, stopping to "eat" and "rest" along with the characters in Clanton's illustrations.

What are some good dinosaur-themed snacks to go with the song?

To lean into the "stop and eat our food" verse, you can serve "Herbivore Salad" (broccoli and grapes) or "Dino Nuggets." Making "dinosaur nests" out of chow mein noodles and chocolate is also a popular activity to pair with the song's resting verse.

Why does Laurie Berkner call it "Kindie Rock"?

The term "Kindie Rock" is a portmanteau of "Kid" and "Independent Rock." It refers to a genre of children's music that has an independent, often rock-influenced sound, prioritizing high-quality musicianship and lyrics that resonate with both children and their parents.