This week teachers across the country and even around the world are celebrating Dr. Seuss and his beloved children’s books filled with rhyme and whimsy. His unique writing style has fascinated children for over 50 years. Even though there are many activities and lesson plans that have circulated throughout the decades here are 6 new ideas to bring life and whimsy into your classroom.
1. The Cat in the Hat
We all love this popular children’s book and we usually practice rhyming words with hat, learning word families (at, an, ig, et, etc.), counting all the objects from Thing One and Thing Two, matching alphabet letters from those beloved Things, and many other common ideas. But what if The Cat in the Hat came in a different type of weather? What if instead of a rainy day it was a windy day? What games would the Cat in the Hat play? What would Thing One and Thing Two do? How would Sally and her brother get them out? Would something different happen to the fish? Why not throw the story for a loop and play wind games with Thing One and Thing Two. Then try homographs with Cat in the Hat. Finally have students write their own silly story of what might happen when the Cat in the Hat comes to the classroom on a very windy day.
2. The Lorax
The Lorax is often used around Earth Day. Students learn about how trees grow, what trees do for us, how recycling can help our Earth, and how we can plant and save trees. But why not take this message to other areas of concern? What are current events that are effecting the world today? How can we make this world a better place to live? Whether the issue is cutting down forests, saving wild animals, or the building zones in a local area; have students discuss the problem and how they can get involved as part of the solution.
3. Oh the thinks you can think!
This book is often overlooked as we celebrate Dr. Seuss but there are so many ideas you can do with this book that celebrate the true man behind the stories. Dr. Seuss is famous for making up words, characters, and things. He had a different way of looking at the world.In Dr. Seuss’ eyes the ordinary could become extra-ordinary.Why not try thinking like Dr. Seuss.Find a picture in a magazine of something ordinary.Then redraw the picture making it a little extra-ordinary. Finally write about what it really is… it might be a snuv or it could be schlopp. But it will be a wonderful think whatever it is.
4. Green Eggs and Ham
All around the country students will be eating scrambled eggs dyed green. But who says scrambled is the only way to eat eggs. Why not have students do a taste test to find out how they like to eat eggs.Why not try some boiled or fried? And yes you can still dye these eggs as well.Just let the boiled eggs sit in dark green dye for a long time after boiling.And drop a little bit of food coloring around the pan before cracking the egg to fry.A couple drops on the top of the fried egg while it’s cooking will finish the dying process.
5. The Sneetches and Other Stories
This is another book that is often forgotten. I love the message of this story, “being happy with who you are.”We don’t have to all follow the popular trends we can be our own individuals.I’m not sure why this book is not used more often.I know we definitely could use its words of wisdom in society today.
6. I had Trouble Getting to Solla Sollew
Another one of Dr. Seuss incredible stories that often is not used in the classroom. In this story so many things go wrong. However the character tries to keep a positive attitude with how wonderful it will be in Solla Sollew. I love this activity to wrap up the week of Dr. Seuss.We play a game to help us deal with our emotions in different situations. Students
I hope these 6 activities bring a new love of Dr. Seuss to your classroom and you find ways to make learning fun. Don’t forget to follow me on Facebook, TPT, and Pinterest to get other great ideas and products to make your classroom great!
Enjoy!