Dr. Seuss, aka Ted Giesel, celebrated his birthday on March 2. Educators are celebrating ‘Read Across America’ Dr. Seuss week from March 1-March 5. Here are lesson plans for preschool and younger elememtary school teachers and homeschooler to bring Dr. Seuss into the classroom. I’m an advocate of learning centers in the early grades, so these lessons explore Dr. Seuss books within the learning centers. This article focuses on bringing Dr. Seuss into the dramatic play center, science center and practical life center.
Dr. Seuss in Dramatic Play or Dress Up center: Set out animal masks to represent Dr. Seuss characters, Thidwick the Big-Hearted Moose, Horton the Elephant, Yertle the Turtle, Maisie the Bird, The Wickersham monkeys, the Kangaroo. Include copies of these Dr. Seuss stories for children to act out. You might also put out silly costume accessories for children to simulate whimisical Who-ville costumes.
Dr. Seuss in the Science Center: Set out a copy of The Lorax, which deals with environmentalism. Set up an experiment on decomposition and pollution. Place different pieces of trash in zippered bags with a little water. Monitor them over time to show students how slowly trash decomposes. Students could also tend ‘trufulla seeds’ (use any flower seeds, like cosmos or daisy) to learn what helps and what harms them. Also in the science center, you can make Oobleck (click here for recipes).
Dr. Seuss in the Practical Life Area: Set out the books The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham and Horton Hears a Who. These books deal with caring for others, food and house-cleaning.
For more lesson plans, visit me at www.freelessonplans4u.blogspot.com. For more children, teen and young adult book selections, visit me at www.kidzliterature.blogspot.com.
Written by Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben
