Theme and Inference Exercises for Dr. Seuss!

Books Used for Dr. Seuss Theme and Inference Exercises
Photo Source: Teaching in Room 6

In preparation for Dr. Seuss's birthday on March 2, Stephanie over at Teaching in Room 6 put together a week's worth of lessons focused on digging deeper into the meaning of several of Dr. Seuss's most popular reads! Perfect for older students if you happen to teach an upper grade!

A Week of Theme and Inference Exercises

Start your week by reading The Cat in the Hat to your students, and then use it throughout the week as your class example. Before reading, ask your students to listen specifically for any ethical issues that appear and to make a 'mental note.' Then have them break into small groups to complete discussion questions and then come back together as a class to discuss!

Example of Discussion Questions for Dr. Seuss Unit
Photo Source: Teaching in Room 6

Stephanie provides a FREE copy of the discussion questions for you here.

On Day 2, break your students into small groups and have each group read one of the following books:

  • The Lorax
  • Yertle the Turtle and Other Stories
  • The Sneetches and Other Stories
  • How the Grinch Stole Christmas!
  • The Butter Battle Book
  • Green Eggs and Ham
  • Horton Hears a Who!

After they've finished reading, have them complete discussion questions similar to what they did on Day 1. Stephanie even provides a FREE copy of the worksheet for you! There is a sheet for each book that can be used for the rest of the week's lessons. We love how Stephanie's questions get students to actually think about what they are reading and to dig deeper into what true message lies beneath the surface of the super colorful pages!

Completed Worksheet Showing Dr. Seuss Unit Questions
Photo Source: Teaching in Room 6

On Day 3, ask your students to think about the main idea of the story they read to complete the second section of the worksheet. Have them write the main idea in the small circle with supporting evidence in the larger, surrounding circle. Use your example from The Cat in the Hat to get them started!

On Day 4, continue the Dr. Seuss journey by talking as a class about the theme and lesson learned in The Cat in the Hat. Then turn your students loose to complete the same activity (section 3 of the worksheet) for the book they read.

Day 5 is a chance for your students to get their creative juices flowing! Ask your students to rename the book they read and explain to you why they chose the name (worksheet section 4). Then have them create a new book cover with the title they've chosen (the drawing should mimic the actual book, but with the new title added). Look at a few of the awesome examples Stephanie's students came up with!

Student Created Cover for Horton Hears a Who
Photo Source: Teaching in Room 6
Student Created Cover for The Sneetches
Photo Source: Teaching in Room 6

Be sure to stop by Stephanie's site today! This incredible Dr. Seuss lesson plan is just the tip of the idea iceburg.