1 Seussology: C ritical Reading, Creative Writing, and High Level Thinking with 4th Grade ATP Multimedia Project ~ Created by Mrs. Smith.

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Seussology:Seussology: CCritical Reading, Creative Writing, ritical Reading, Creative Writing,

and High Level Thinking with and High Level Thinking with

4th Grade ATP Multimedia Project~ Created by Mrs. Smith

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Table of Contents

1. Unit overview2. ATP/GIEP goals and skills3. Supplies4. Project introductions5. -Self ad6. -Seuss chart7. -Examine the Dr.8. -Creative spirit of Seuss9. -Comics section10. -Seuss style/Invention11. -Parodies

12. -Powers of persuasion

13. -Doodling pays off

14. -Conflicts & resolutions

15. -Cultural connections

16. -Hats of Dr. Seuss

17. -Switcher-Who

18. -Leading the way

19. -Wrap up

20. Self-reflections

21. Rubric

22. Bibliography

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In This Project You Will…In This Project You Will…

Read some really cool Dr. Seuss books

Learn lots about the genius of Dr. Seuss

Flex your creative thinking and writing skills

* A Site to bookmark: Who’s Who and What’s What -dictionary of all things Seuss (characters, places +)

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ATP/GIEP Goals/SkillsATP/GIEP Goals/Skills

Creative Expression (flexibility, originality, fluency, and elaboration)

Critical Reading and Thinking (analysis, synthesis, and elaboration)

Risk-taking, Coping with failure, Self-concept, Decision-making, Acceptance/tolerance of different viewpoints and ideas of others

Effective Goal Setting Positive Leadership Communication (verbal, aural, and written)

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What You Will NeedWhat You Will Need

– Computer– Pencil– Project folder– Journal– Class library of Seuss Books- Your imagination!

* Remember: When you see red underlined text, it’s a link you need to click on and explore. You’re responsible for reading each link before doing the activity. Try it out by clicking the link above to move on to Page 6.

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IntroductionIntroduction

You’ve surely read, or had someone read to you, several favorite Dr. Seuss books when you were younger. You may have even read them over and over again! Like most children, you probably enjoyed the silly rhymes, crazy characters, and wildly imaginative settings. Dr. Seuss wrote for children, always keeping his audience in mind. He wanted kids to love reading, and he definitely accomplished his goal. In fact, he remains the best-selling author of children’s books for all time! What talent, you’re probably thinking, right? Well, not exactly…not always. Actually, as you will discover in your research, he had many set-backs, rejections, and doubters. He never gave up, though. Creatively gifted himself, Dr. Seuss developed strong study skills, set goals, and enjoyed stretching his talents. But he also had to deal with difficulties and even failures, because like all of us, he too had areas that weren’t so easy or that he wasn’t as good at. Believe it or not, he was called a poor artist in school and thought he couldn’t draw. He even developed a weakness into a unique success!

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Who Knew?Who Knew?

You might think Dr. Seuss books are only for preschool or Kindergarten kids, but you’re about to see that they are just as valuable for Intermediate ATP students, middle-schoolers, college students, and yes, even adults!! Dr. Seuss was not only able to get kids to see reading as fun, but he also used strong messages, themes, and lessons within his stories. He wrote about serious and real issues, many that relate to topics we are faced with today. So, you are about to set off on a learning adventure which I guarantee will get you thinking deeply, writing creatively, and learning how this amazing author became so remarkable. You will accomplish all of this through research, reading and personal discovery. Think of this as your second encounter with the wonder of Dr. Seuss, a chance to use picture books for advanced learning…but still loads of fun!! Let the adventure begin!

Please start by reading: The Sneetches

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Let’s Get Started!Let’s Get Started!Step 1

You’ll be completing a chart throughout the unit. This is not a basic story map (setting, characters, summary), but more advanced to really challenge you to look deeper and gain a higher level understanding of the books.

Click and print out a copy of the Seuss Chart , then begin filling in the chart with your knowledge of The Sneeches.

Continue with the next book: The Big Brag Next, create a “Self Ad” to present what special service you have to offer

(Think of your talents, hobbies, interests, awesome skills that could benefit others! Record as Activity 1 in your journal)

Example: Let my love of gardening beautify your property! Weeding, planting, and design. References, sample photos, and reasonable rates. free estimate. All work guaranteed!

Just for fun...Find out your “Who name” at: www.grinched.com

(I’m Millificent Sassy-Snu Who!)

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Seuss ChartSeuss ChartBook Title

Main Character’s Motivation

Themes Messages Author’s Purpose

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Examine the DoctorExamine the DoctorStep 2:

A. Mrs. Geisel Talks—Listen to an interview with Dr. Seuss’ wife. Choose: “Every book had a message” and “A challenge for Ted Geisel”

B. Read about Dr. Seuss by visiting the biography links to the right. Use this Web Creator to record your findings on the following topics. (one web per topic) 1. Writing habits2. Successes and failures3. Inspirations and influences4. Writing and illustrating style5. Background

C. What lessons or tips from Dr. Seuss can you apply in your own life (writing, work or study habits, goals, etc.) Record in your journal.

Cat In The Hat

Seuss Biography

Seussville

Tell Me About Dr. Seuss

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In the Creative Spirit of Seuss In the Creative Spirit of Seuss Step 3:

After reading how Seuss came to write several of his children’s books, choose one of the following activities to add to your project folder. Label: Activity #3.

1. “Bet’s On You”: A bet led Dr. Seuss to successfully write Green Eggs and Ham. Use only 50 words of your choice to write a short story, poem, letter, song, or report. Rhyming and nonsense are optional!

2. “In the Rhythm”: Dr. Seuss’s first published book was And to Think I Saw It On Mulberry Street. Click on Interesting Facts to read about his challenges. Listen to the rhythm of the book . How many syllables are in each line? Write three new lines, matching the rhythm, style, and theme of the book.

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Comics SectionComics SectionStep 4:

* Find out about Dr. Seuss’ beginnings with editorial and political cartoons (especially those relating to WWII)

* Next, listen to audio clips of “Seuss” (as played in the movie) discuss political cartoons and his early career.

* Finally, design you own comic! Pick a current conflict at school, in our state, the country, or in the world. Go to Comic Creator to make a comic showing your thoughts about the topic. Print and attach to your folder: Activity #4.

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Seuss: Illustrator and Inventor?Seuss: Illustrator and Inventor?

Step 5:

Read about Cat in the Hat Style Like T. Geisel did in this classic tale, Rube

Goldberg came up with wacky invention cartoons showing ways to do useless tasks. Read this cartoonist’s biography.

If you could create an invention to help with a daily task, what would you design? Give your invention a name and draw what it would look like. Describe its purpose and label the parts. This will be activity # 5 for your project folder.

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ParodiesParodiesStep 6:

Visit www.seuss.org -find out what parodies and how they relate to Dr. Seuss.

1. What do you think are pros and cons of such parodies? Make a T-chart in your journal.

2. Would you support having more parodies? Why or why not. Write a persuasive letter using this Internet tool. Address it to the editor of the publishing company called Randomhouse and explain your opinions. Provide reasons and examples to support your stand.

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Power of Power of PersuasionPersuasion

Step 7:

Read: The Lorax, the book Dr. Seuss’ claimed to be his personal favorite

Consider this: If you met up with the Once-ler, what would you say to him? Compose a short speech in Seuss-style or write a dialogue (conversation) between him and you. Map out your argument with the Persuasion Map Tool. Label as Activity # 7 in your project folder.

I am the Lorax. I speak for the

trees!!!

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Doodling Pays OffDoodling Pays OffStep 8

Read Thudwick, the Big-Hearted Moose-Dr. Seuss came up with the character of Thidwick while doodling during a phone conversation. Write your name in cursive on the edge of a folded paper plate. Cut around the edges of your writing. Unfold and flip the cut-out shape over. What character could you create? Give it a name and a “fact sheet.”

Read Horton Hatches the Egg-The concept for this story also came while Dr. Seuss was

doodling while talking on the phone. A gust of wind sent a picture of an elephant on top of the tree drawing. This led him to wonder what an elephant could possibly be doing on top of a tree. Select two things that normally would not be paired. Use the Circle Plot Diagram as an outline to explain why or how this unusual event could have happened.

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Conflicts and ResolutionsConflicts and ResolutionsStep 9

Read the book: The Zax Conflict and Resolution Maps

-complete online and print both for your folder

Read the unpublished book: Obsks and respond to the following in your journal: (Remember to use full sentences which include the question.)

1. Rate the book on a scale of 1-5 (low-high) and explain your score.

2. What were strengths and weaknesses? What do you wish would be different or included?

3. Do you think this book deserves to be published? Why or why not?

4. Why do you think it was never published?

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Cultural Connections Cultural Connections

Step 10

Read The Butter Battle Book Explore the book’s Cultural Connections Think of a real-life “battle” you’ve had.

Describe it and tell how you worked things out. Was it effective? How else might you have settled the dispute peaceably? Record your thoughts in your journal.

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The Many, ManyThe Many, Many “Hats” of Dr. Seuss “Hats” of Dr. Seuss

Step 11

Read:The 500 Hats of Bartholomew Cubbins

What hats did Dr. Seuss wear throughout his life? Create a diagram, picture, or web of your choice to illustrate and describe his many titles/ roles/or “hats.”

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Switcher-WhoSwitcher-WhoStep 12

Visit : Seuss Booklist and Characters-Mix it up activity: pick two characters from different Seuss books you’ve read, and combine them in a new scene in your journal as follows:

“If __________(character) from ___________ (place in a Seuss story or a book title) and ________ (character 2) from __________________ (Seuss location or book title) __________________ (got together or met to do what and/or go where?) , __________________(What would happen? Be descriptive and write a minimum or 5 sentences to tell the scene and outcome as you imagine it would be).

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Leading the WayLeading the WayStep 13

Each student or set of partners will select, read, chart, and share one of the books from the list below. You’ll read the book to the class and lead a discussion of topics from your Seuss chart. You also need three open/full questions (These require more than a one-right answer or a one word response) for the group.

Options: Oh, the Thinks You Can Think!

Oh, the Places You’ll Go! Horton Hears a Who

Yertle the Turtle McElligot’s Pool

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Wrapping “Things” Up!Wrapping “Things” Up!

Step 14

1. Which Seuss character do you most relate to and why?2. Create five math word problems with Seuss characters, setting, and/or

stories. Write them on large index cards (answer on back). Store in your project folder pocket.

3. 3-Ring Venn Diagram -compare and contrast any three Seuss characters or books from this unit. (at least three details per section)

4. One final step: Complete the reflections page (next) and put in your folder

That’s all! You’ve done an awesome job analyzing, creating, and learning! Thank you for all your hard work! I hope you had fun and have come to respect Dr. Seuss as a truly one-of-a-kind genius who continues to inspire imagination, wonder, and the love of reading in kids of all ages!

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Self-ReflectionsSelf-Reflections

Please take some time to reflect on all you’ve read and learned about Dr. Seuss in this unit. Complete the statements below in your journal.

1. After I read The Sneetches, I realized __________________.

2. From The Butter Battle Book I determined _______________.

3. The lesson I got from Horton Hatches an Egg was _________________________.

4. Thidwick has helped me to see _____________.5. Dr. Suess has taught me the importance of

__________and will help me _______________________.

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Rubric: Seussology Unit- 4th Grade ATP

Development: well-prepared activities; enough detail to clearly present and support ideas; thorough thinking shown; guidelines met

1 2 3 4

Mechanics: Words spelled correctly; punctuation and word choices used appropriately1 2 3 4

Appearance: neat, complete, and easily readable activities and journal entries; attention to detail made; ideas effectively expressed

1 2 3 4

Creativity/Originality: unique and insightful thinking shown; creative ideas and writing1 2 3 4

Critical Thinking: high level thinking skills (analysis, synthesis, and evaluation) shown1 2 3 4

Independent Skills: used time well; stayed focused; showed good decision-making

Evaluated by: _______________________

Student: _________________

Rating Scale: 1- unsatisfactory/incomplete2- meets expectations3- exceeds expectations4- clearly outstanding

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Bibliography:Bibliography:Resources used in this project:Resources used in this project:

Books:

And To Think I Saw It On Mulberry StreetThe Big BragThe Butter Battle BookThe 500 Hats Of Bartholomew CubbinsHorton Hatches An EggHorton Hears a WhoThe LoraxOh, The Thinks You Can ThinkOh, The Places You’ll GoThe Sneetches and Other StoriesThidwick The Big-Hearted MooseYertle The TurtleThe Zax

Video clip: www.readingrockets.org/features/seuss

Websites: www.seussville.com www.dartmouth.edu/~drseuss/ www.grinched.com www.readwritethink.org www.catinthehat.org www-personal.ksu.edu/~jak4343 www.teachingheart.net/Seussinfo.doc K12albemarle.org/MurrayElem/White/Seuss orpheus.ucsd.edu/speccoll/dspolitic/ www.rubegoldberg.com/ www.seuss.org www.afn.org/~afn15301/seussfiles/obsks

Audio clip:www.pbs.org/independentlens/politicaldrseuss/dr.htmlGraphics:www.amazon.comhttp://www-personal.ksu.edu/~jak4343/bib.html