Theodor Seuss Geisel, otherwise known as "Dr. Seuss," is one of the most well-known authors of books for children. Although his books may be a bedtime favorite for younger kids, middle school students may enjoy the rhyming and life lessons featured in each book.
Spice up your next lesson plan by incorporating a Dr. Seuss book. The mix of activities found below will help foster great class discussions as these classic books are added in for a unique and fun-filled Seuss Day at school.
1. Theodor Seuss Geisel Themed Science Log
Science logs are a fantastic cross-curricular activity that requires critical thinking, writing, and science all in one. Make it a Science Seuss Day by using this log as a template the next time you want to ask a question, make a prediction, perform a test, and reflect.
Learn more: Seussville
2. Seuss Case Study
This Seuss Day Case Study will offer a welcome challenge for students as they tie historical events to rhyming tales. Turn this into a center activity where students first learn about 1950s history before moving to each center to read a Dr. Seuss book.
Learn more: Seussville
3. Compare Two Authors
Are lessons plans and homework activities becoming boring? Book reports can be much more exciting when the compare and contrast element is mixed with group work. Have students take a trip to the library to conduct research on the authors before presenting their findings to the class.
Learn more: Read, Write, Think
4. Teach About Standing Up For Others
In the Seuss read Horton Finds a Who, students learn about creating a strong classroom community by standing up for others. This book can double as a code for students when they see the importance of ensuring everyone, no matter how small, is heard.
Learn more: PhilNel
5. Host a Pajama Day
No classroom resources are needed for this idea! As long as your digital classroom is equipped with the internet to show this video, you're good to go. Mix it up by having students listen to this fantastic book while hosting a Seuss Day... Pajama style!
Learn more: Books Read Aloud For Kids
6. Create a Lorax Door
The Lorax is one of Dr. Seuss's most beloved characters. Celebrate Earth Day not just by reading the tale, but by involving the whole class in a colored paper door decoration. Students will love creating this door poster.
Learn more: Used Books in Class
7. Dress Up All Week
Here are some fun ideas for a Seuss Day dress-up! Have students dress up for the entire week or just one day. Take a tally of how many students in each grade are dressing up in homeroom to see which grade level received the most participation.
Learn more: Knowledge Quest
8. Learn About World War II
Did you know Dr. Seuss drew and wrote political cartoons during the Second World War? This book is a collection of over two hundred Seuss Day cartoons that depict the World War II era. Teachers will quickly see this book as art history for all subjects.
Learn more: Amazon
9. Watch a Movie
The 5,000 Fingers of Dr. T is a 1953 movie about a nine-year-old boy. The things he imagines actually come to life in this ninety-minute film. After reading books for Seuss Day, play this movie so students can learn about the art of filmmaking in the 1950s.
Learn more: Amazon
10. Draw Like Dr. Seuss
Are you an art teacher? Have students draw their favorite characters during a classroom Seuss Day. This video goes through how an artist can make small changes to a drawing to convey deep meaning. It ends with a list of how to turn a drawing "Dr. Seuss Style."
Learn more: Los Altos Art Docents
11. Have a Wacky Wednesday
especially fun on Wednesdays. Have students read this book and then take them on a scavenger hunt around the room to see how many wacky things they can find.
Learn more: Amazon
12. Have a Seuss Day Math Class
Here is a fun math activity that involves reading comprehension. Take students on a Green Eggs and Ham restaurant journey with this silly riddle. Teachers will need to make a poster of the prices in yellow, and then have students get into groups to solve to problem.
Learn more: Lesson Planet
13. Explain Discrimination
Middle school activities that are centered around tough topics can be challenging. Having a Seuss Day can help lighten the mood. Use this video based on The Sneetches to start a discussion about entitlement and discrimination.
Learn more: William Everett
14. Seuss-Themed Writing Prompts
Provide students with a blank worksheet for them to compose their Seuss Day writing prompts. Then use the spinner wheel found in the link below to determine which Dr. Seuss-themed writing prompt students will compose. What a great way to mix up English class!
Learn more: Minds in Bloom
15. Guess That Dr. Seuss Book
Dr. Seuss provides such great reading resources. Mix writing activities with a themed Seuss Day by having students listen to parts of a book before guessing the title. If desired, this could be incorporated as part of National Read Across America Day.
Learn more: Minds in Bloom
16. Word Search
Word searches are always fun for all grades, especially on Seuss Day! After completing some of the lesson activities in this list, have students find common words found in the Dr. Seuss books. Make it extra challenging by removing the word list and just providing the search!
Learn more: Lesson Planet
17. Write a Persuasive Essay
After reading What Pet Should I Get? assign a persuasive writing assignment where students have to convince you to purchase a special pet for them. What a great way to combine a Seuss Day with an English class!
Learn more: Amazon
18. Read a Biography
Since this book is for grade levels 3-7, you will want to keep eighth-grade students out of this assignment. Assign this 112-page book that is illustrated in black and white as homework to provide background for a fulfilling class discussion on this author.
Learn more: Amazon
19. Create Profile Silhouettes
Read The Shape of Me & Other Stuff before tracing each student's silhouette. Have students pair up. One student will have their shadow fall on a white piece of paper while the other student traces their silhouette. Then switch!
Learn more: Eva Varga
20. Have a Sensory Seuss Day
First, read Bartholomew and the Oobleck and learn about the green goo that falls from the sky. This sticky material is called Oobleck. Extend students' learning by conducting a science experiment on who can make the stickiest goo!
Learn more: Eva Varga
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