Happy Birthday, Dr. Seuss!

By. Meredith Biesinger

We are one week away from Dr. Seuss’s Birthday on March 2nd. Green eggs and ham, Seuss-themed games, crazy hats, funky socks, and so much more will be all over schools in the country!

Dr. Seuss Day is a fun way to celebrate reading and engage your students simultaneously!

“You can find magic wherever you look. Sit back and relax; all you need is a book.”

Here are some fun ways to celebrate on March 2nd or all week long!

Rhyming Words

Dr. Seuss books are full of rhyming words, and books like Fox in Socks do not disappoint! Seuss books can be used during a Language Arts lesson about rhyming. Read the story aloud to students and have them identify pairs of words that rhyme. Bring in some socks or have students bring in some extra socks, and place rhyming words on the socks and give one to each student. Instruct your students to find the sock that matches the one they were given. When students see their match, discuss the word patterns and why the words rhyme. This activity can be extended by completing a writing assignment using rhyming words.

Character is Important

A favorite Dr. Seuss book of mine is Horton Hatches an Egg. Before reading the story, tell your students to listen for ways that show how the main characters are alike and different. Then, after reading the book, use a graphic organizer to compare the actions and feelings of the characters.

This book also presents a beautiful opportunity to discuss responsibility, patience, and persistence. Ask your students how the character traits were seen or not seen in the book’s characters. Afterward, the students can write about how they are responsible, patient, and persistent.

Story & Sequencing

Who doesn’t love Green Eggs and Ham! This fan-favorite children’s book can be used to teach students about story sequences. Fun fact: Students love it when it’s read with animation and different voice levels!

Print out phrases from Green Eggs and Ham, and have your students put them in order. This engaging activity can be done as a class, or small groups of students can sequence sections of the book. Afterward, the class can sequence the story together. If you can, make some green eggs for students to eat later! There are a million ways to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day! In the spirit of Seuss, “You’re never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child.”