Dr. Seuss, The Lorax
http://www.commondreams.org/headline/2008/12/15-6
I think I will print out this article and hand it to all those people who wrinkle their nose at me when I tell them that we read a Dr. Seuss book to my 5 year old son every night.
- From Sneetches, he will learn that it’s okay to be different and that he doesn’t have to change who he is just to make others like him.
- From Yertle the Turtle he will learn that just because everyone else is doing something doesn’t mean its right. He will learn to stand up for himself and others and not let a dictator turtle control his life (I AM NOT THE DICTATOR TURTLE!!)
- From Oh the Places You’ll Go, he will learn that he’ll have good days and bad days, and those bad days will just make him stronger in hopes of have more good days.
- From the Lorax, he will learn that he has to take care of what God has given us and not take the planet for granted.
- From Horton Hatches an Egg, he will learn that if he wants to see results, he has to put in the time and dedication to the work. You can’t pawn your work off on others and then expect to receive the payoff. Oh, and Elephants are faithful, 100%.
- From Green Eggs and Ham, he will learn to try everything at least once. Granted he will make mistakes, but he will learn from those mistakes. Besides, you never know when Mom will sneak a treat into those gross greenbeans!
- From Horton Hears a Who, he will learn to stick up for the little person, even when he faces opposition or ridicule from others. It doesn’t matter what others think of you as long as you do what you feel is right.
- From Cat in the Hat, he will learn that when a Cat shows up at your door wearing a hat, its best to shut the door. Who cares if he has a spiffy hat, he's not going to be your friend.
I’m thinking perhaps the my Crazy 11th grade English teacher had the right idea all those years ago when he had all of us put on the play “The Lorax” for the elementary schools. And I must say, I made an outstanding, “Non-Speaking-Cartwheeling-Brown Barbaloot!”