Courage - The World According to Theodor Seuss Geisel Part II

 
COURAGE

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO THEODOR SEUSS GIESEL

PART II

 "A person's a person, no matter how small."
Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who!

In the beloved Dr. Seuss story, Horton Hears a Who!, we learn that to be truly courageous we must do more than face our fears.  Like Horton's example, we must bravely face our fears, dangers, and oppositions, but do so wisely, at the right time, and for the right reasons. 

Horton displays courage when he stands up for the Whos, a civilization of tiny people living on a dust speck whom none of the other animals can hear.  

 What is this courageous wisdom?

Horton Hears a Who! is a "Just What I Need" book right now in my professional life.  I am having difficulty defending decisions that are being made at the institutional level.    I know I can learn from Horton who defended the Whos.  He knew he was doing the right thing for the Whos and for himself. Should I take this risk to defend my position or is it time to retreat?  I need to be as courageous and wise as Horton!

~K~

 So after reading Horton Hears a Who! and looking for your wise courage, perhaps you might like to try some of these fun ideas.

The titles link to the websites.

Horton's Lesson Plans  

This website includes discussions questions, biography sites, vocabulary, graphic organizers, movie sites, crafts, and fun activities.

Horton's Ears
Of course, we know that Horton had the most sensitive ears and therefore could hear the tiny Whos.  This adorable and delicious recipe for Elephant's Ears from Allrecipes is fun for children to make and eat! 


 




Who Specks
Horton's famous line "A person is a person, no matter how small", can give children inspiration to acknowledge small acts of kindness.    Children would be happy to make the pom-poms and then award them!


 
Speck Lab
 I love this project because you can use it to promote so many different skills.  Children examine various pom-poms looking for "Whos" that may live there.  Young children can practice sorting with the different color pom-poms and work on fine motor skills by using tweezers.  We can introduce to students the steps of conducting a scientific experiment and the tools we use.  And of course, it is just plain FUN!
 
  Save an Elephant
Just as Horton wanted to save the "Whos", we can do the same for creatures who need our help.  The National Wildlife Federation has a program to adopt wild animals, including elephants like Horton.

 "ASAP. Whatever that means. 

It must mean, 'Act Swiftly Awesome Pacyderm!'”  

Dr. Seuss, Horton Hears a Who!

Have you ever called upon your Wise Courage?  
Please leave us a comment and tell us about it!

Linking to: On the Menu Monday

Love and Acceptance

 

LOVE ..... and ACCEPTANCE

This wonderful story of Stellaluna is yet another one of my favorites.  It holds so much wisdom in its short story.  Stellaluna is a unique adaptation of The Ugly Duckling.  Although this is a fictional piece, the story lends itself beautifully to explore nonfiction themes, especially concerning bats and birds.  I have always felt as a human race we are just too quick to judge.  I am not really sure why this is so.  I find that this story not only highlights the importance of acceptance, it teaches what true kindness and compassion can yield.  The first time I read the story (thankfully alone) I was brought to tears by how hard Stellaluna worked to fit in.  We certainly do not think of bats as cute and cuddly creatures, yet Janell Cannon's glorious illustrations make Stellaluna absolutely loveable!

~K~

 Stellaluna by Janell Cannon has long been one of my favorite children's books.  I have used this book for various reasons when teaching 7th and 8th grade language arts literacy, including teaching theme and characterization.  It never fails that even the "cool" junior high students give a sympathetic reaction to Stellaluna and how hard she tries to fit in.  The illustrations evoke such emotions that readers find themselves thoroughly caring for Stellaluna, with her big eyes, sad face, and floppy wings.

I tend to use this book to show how one story can have several themes.  We discuss the importance of friendship, love, and family!

~N~ 

Stellaluna Lesson Plans

Unique Teaching Resources provides wonderful lesson plans to align with this story.

 

Reader's Theater

The Reading Lady offers a wide variety of scripts for Reader's Theater.  Since Stellaluna has several characters, this would be a great way to engage students in the book.


Fruit Bat Salad
Since Stellaluna is a fruit bat, a fruit salad would be the perfect recipe to collaborate with the book.  It is a wonderful way to have children try new fruits as well.


 
  

 Fruit Printing

The eHow Mom website has a number of activities to align with Stellaluna.  One activity outlines fruit painting which would be a great deal of fun for children.  Children can use cut up fruit as stamps and create original art.

Change of Opinion Writing Assignment

Bats are often considered in a negative connotation and can be the villains in stories we read.  However, Stellaluna proves this stereotype wrong as Janell Cannon has made her into such a loving and adorable character.

Students can test their creative skills by writing a story about another animal that usually has a negative connotation such as snakes, rats, sharks, etc.  Their story should depict the animal in a more positive light and should change people's minds about it.

"And how can we feel so different and be so much alike?" wondered Pip.

"I think this is quite a mystery," Flap chirped.

"I agree," said Stellaluna.  "But we're friends.

And that's a fact."    

 

Peter Rabbit and Beatrix Potter

PETER RABBIT and Beatrix Potter!

I simply love the story of Peter and his cousin bunnies. Springtime is a time of renewal and new birth. It is a delightful season when flowers bloom and birds sing. And every springtime, I think about this wonderful story of a feisty little bunny.

I remember with great joy shopping at Harrods during my first visit to London. I found there a wonderful teacup and saucer with illustrations taken from Beatrix Potter's beloved Peter Rabbit.The  illustration represents springtime. The teacup and saucer were a gift for my mother. When I returned home, I realized that there were three other sets in the series - one for each of the seasons. I set out over the next few years to locate and purchase the other three sets for my mother. Now she keeps the full series in her breakfront in her dining room. Each time I happen to see them, I remember with fondness my love for this eternally favorite children's picture book!  

~K~

Spring is one of my favorite times of year. I love getting my yard ready for summertime by planting my flowers and setting up the patio furniture. I love when the weather is just right to eat dinner outside, which we do almost every day! I love the feeling of mild fresh air after being cooped up in the house all winter. I love that my children are finally able to run around the yard and let out some built-up energy! My son, who is an avid animal lover, enjoys watching all the birds that fly by and hopes one will make our birdhouse his new home. These are just a few things that, to me, are synonymous with springtime.

I often think of the e.e. cummings' poem "the little horse is newlY" who "knows nothing and feels everything". To me, that is exactly what springtime is like...feeling everything almost for the first time because it has been so long since we last felt that freshness in the air. This is my beginning of the year, so much more than January 1. This is the time of year I am "starting over" and this is when I have the most motivation to do so!

Peter Rabbit is synonymous with springtime. This story always makes its way off the bookshelf at this time of year, just as we get our own gardens ready and just as some of the neighborhood rabbits begin to emerge from their dens. I think one of the main attractions to the story is that it seems to come to life in my own backyard! According to my son, all the bunnies we see ARE Peter Rabbit, and they ARE trying to get into our garden! Aside from this, the illustrations are of obvious note. The calming colors and flowing lines of the drawings add to its charm. 

 ~N~

So here are just a few, out of many, fun ideas to help you enjoy reading Peter Rabbit!
The titles link to the websites.

 

Peter Rabbit Website

It should be noted that the official Peter Rabbit  website has a great deal of fun links.  There are character of the month and game features, as well as links to purchase various Peter Rabbit merchandise.

Peter Rabbit No-Sew Pillow

Nick Jr will be airing a new show based on the book.  They have posted several fun craft projects to coincide with the show.  This one is an easy craft and makes something that children would be able to play with for awhile.  I know my son really enjoys making his own "toys".  It gives him so much pride when he makes something on his own.  He even wanted to make one for his little sister!

  

Peter Rabbit Carrots

Marshmallows and Rice Krispies!  These are basically rice krispie treats in the form of a carrot, with some extra decorations.  I showed my son these and he was so excited to make them that we brought the finished results to his school party.  I like treats that are easy to transport and that don't make too much of a mess when the kids are munching away.

Peter Rabbit, Flopsy, Mopsy, and Cotton-tail's Blackberry Tarts

While the Peter Rabbit Carrots are more kid friendly, these are perfect for the adults!  This blog is wonderfully written and takes into account two of my favorite things...reading and eating!!! The author has taken a traditional tart recipe and has altered it using more accessible ingredients.  These tarts are, of course, based upon the bunnies going out to gather blackberries.  These would be fun for a Peter Rabbit themed first birthday party, or baby shower.

Gardening Curriculum and Activity Guide

The tales and Peter Rabbit and springtime simply cultivate our desire to begin gardening.  The Life Lab website brings learning to life in the garden.  Visit the site to find some wonderful resources for educators and families.

 

 Kids Gardening

Another wonderful website for educators and families is Kids Gardening.  Take some time to explore all of the resources.  You will find so many was to introduce Spring in your classroom and in your home!

"Once upon a time there were four little Rabbits, and their names were - Flopsy, Mopsy, Cottontail, and Peter."

~Beatrix Potter


Linking to:

The World According to Theodor Seuss Geisel

THE WORLD ACCORDING TO  THEODOR SEUSS GEISEL 

I believe that Dr. Seuss' books are an American Treasure.  Do I go too far?  I don't think so.  I really do not remember reading any of the Dr. Seuss books when I was little; however, all of them have become  "Just What I Need Books" throughout the years.  There is an uncanny wisdom in each of Dr. Seuss' books.  I often wonder if that wisdom was totally intentional or happenstance.

Theodor Seuss Geisel was born March 2, 1904 in Springfield, MA. He graduated Dartmouth College in 1925.  In 1936 on the way to a vacation in Europe, listening to the rhythm of the ship's engines, he came up with And to Think That I Saw It on Mulberry Street, which was then promptly rejected by the first 20, 27, or 28 ( it depends on which story he was telling) publishers he showed it to. Eventually in 1937 a friend published the book for him, and it went on to at least moderate success.  The rest is truly history!

Oh, The Places You’ll Go!

When I graduated from high school I received a copy of Oh, The Places You’ll Go from a lovely aunt (and co-writer) and have kept it among my treasured books ever since.  It is one that I now read to

my son, especially as his preschool graduation comes closer, and one that I read to my graduating 8th graders each year.  It always amazed me that a Dr. Seuss book, which is usually filled with silly made-up words and creatures, could be so inspiring.  Every time I read the book, I find myself thinking of all the little goals I have made for  myself and which ones  I am going to start working to reach.  I hope my excitement for the book motivates my students whenever I read it to them as well.

I have to say that I have made it to some incredible places since I received the book way back when.  I have been backpacking through Europe and spent three weeks traveling through Italy with my husband.  We have roamed the east coast and Caribbean, too.  But nothing compares to the various "places" I have been while staying right here in New Jersey.  From graduation until now, I have become a teacher, a wife, and a mother, and yet every time I pick up this book, I think of all the exciting "mountains that are still waiting for me to be on my way!"  

In terms of ways to enjoy this book outside of reading it, there are so many activities that coincide.  Since most would use this book in a classroom to discuss students' goals and future plans, we highlighted a number of activities below that can be used as a way to enjoy the book at home.  We hope it proves to be just as inspiring to you as it does for us!

Rainbow Pinwheel Cookies by Souders Cookery

 

 Inspired by the illustrations throughout the book, these cookies are a great treat to make with your children.  Then enjoy the cookies while you are reading aloud Oh, The Places You'll Go.

Balloon Craft by Sparkling Adventures of a Free Range Life

Kids can create their own hot air balloons to take them al the places they would like to go!

Oh, The Places We've Been by Home.Kids.Life.

           

I love the idea of keeping track of family trips with a map and some pushpins.  This can easily be put together with some materials from a craft store, like a map, a frame, and some pushpins.  Be as creative as you want with the frame and the pushpins to make the map more personalized.  The blog provides step-by-step directions.

 

 Incentive Jar by obSEUSSed

As someone who would much rather spend money on DOING things with my family than on toys, I loved this idea!  Kids are rewarded for good behavior by filling up an "Oh, The Places You Can Go" Jar.  The site gives some nice ideas on how to use the incentive jar we well as explains how to make one with a mason jar.  Another simple craft that the kids can help make, which will hopefully get them even more excited about using them! 

 

Oh, The Places You'll Go Globe by the Brass Paperclip Project

What a cool thing to do with a globe!  This would make a great decoration in a bedroom or playroom.

 So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. 

And remember that life's A Great Balancing Act. 

And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! 

(98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) 

Kid, you'll move mountains.