Generations of children have grown up with the silly rhymes, nonsensical words, and sage wisdom of Dr. Seuss. Kids learn the alphabet, colors, and early math skills through the early reader book series. As they get older, students take in the lessons of celebrating our differences, believing in themselves, taking care of the planet, and being kind to others. Moving into adulthood, Oh, The Places You’ll Go is a popular gift for graduations.
So kids ages 6 – 60 can use these delightful and thought-provoking journal prompts in their writing:
10 prompts based on Dr. Seuss quotes:
Use these quotes from various Dr. Seuss books to think deep philosophical thoughts or simply have fun remembering your favorite book from childhood.
1. “You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.”
2. “Today I shall behave as if this is the day I will be remembered.”
3. “You’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting so get on your way!”
4. “You’ll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut.”
5. “It’s better to know how to learn than to know.”
6. “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?”
7. “To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world.”
8. “Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.”
9. “You have to be odd to be number one.”
10. “So, open your mouth, lad! For every voice counts!”
10 prompts based on Dr. Seuss books:
These writing topics can be based on understanding the story or taken to another level of personal soul-searching. It’s up to you!
1. What would you do if you saw a fox wearing socks?
2. Gertrude McFuzz isn’t happy with her one-feathered tail. If you could change something about yourself, what would it be and why?
3. No one believes Horton when he tells them about Whoville. Have you ever experienced a time when someone didn’t believe you? How did you get them to listen?
4. If you were the Lorax and needed to speak for the trees, what would you say?
5. What do the Sneetches teach us about diversity and tolerance?
6. What lessons do we learn about greed from Yertle the Turtle?
7. In Bartholomew and the Oobleck the king is bored. How do you solve the problem when you are bored?
8. Sometimes kindness can overcome grumpiness, like Cindy-Lou Who does with the Grinch. Describe a time someone was grumpy with you and how you could have responded with kindness.
9. Oh the Places You’ll Go celebrates milestones. Describe a milestone you have achieved and where you’ll go next.
10. The Cat in the Hat and Thing 1 and Thing 2 make terrible messes while having fun adventures! In the end, they clean up their mess. Why is it important to clean up?
10 Creative prompts to discover your inner Seuss:
Use these fun writing prompts to help you discover your story. Challenge yourself with Seussical rhymes or not.
1. You’ve discovered a new planet. Tell us the story of the creatures and plants that live there (Inspired by Whoville.).
2. Bullies are no fun! Teach a bully to smile and play well with others. (Inspired by the Horton stories).
3. Make new words for everyday objects and explore a space (Inspired by Wocket in my Pocket).
4. Tell the tale of politicians learning to compromise (Inspired by Butter Battle Book).
5. Celebrate differences with rhymes about hands (Inspired by The Foot Book).
6. Write a story of a grumpy old bug that tries to stop the New Year (Inspired by The Grinch Who Stole Christmas).
7. Write the story of Horton Hears a Who from the perspective of JoJo.
8. Give advice to your younger self about making your dreams come true (Inspired by Oh, the Places You’ll Go).
9. Write a story about saving the earth (Inspired by The Lorax).
10. Write a story about your silly family (Inspired by The Cat in the Hat).
Explore More with these 21 Dr. Seuss Sensory Activities