Dr. Seuss Lesson Plan: Horton Hears a Who

Dr. Seuss Lesson Plan: Horton Hears a Who
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Objective

This lesson helps students to explore the world of Who-ville which they may remember from Dr. Seuss’ famous story “The Grinch Who Stole Christmas”. This story definitely gets children and grownups alike, “What other worlds may be out there?” This lesson will help incorporate several subjects using the book “Horton Hears a Who."

Introduce & Discuss

Introduce the children to Dr. Seuss’ book “Horton Hears a Who” and ask following questions:

  • Does anyone know this story?
  • Has anyone recently seen this movie?
  • What do we think about other worlds and life other than our own?

Pick Up the Book and Read

Read the book together and ask the following questions:

  • Dr. Seuss likes to rhyme; did we hear rhyming words in this story?
  • What did we like about this story?
  • What did we dislike about this story?
  • What do we think now about other worlds existing?
  • Do we think this story can be possible?

Creating a Whole New World

Create your own world: Horton found a world floating on a small speck of dust. Ask the students to imagine if they had found a small speck of dust floating by them. Ask them to imagine that there was a small world with cities, towns, etc. on this small speck of dust. What would this world be like? Who would live in this world and what are their names? The children will develop their very own small world and draw a map of this world. The students can label the various parts of their world including buildings, streets, etc.

A Lesson in Being Unselfish

Explain to the students that Horton was very unselfish for helping the small town of Who-ville and there are many people in our own lives who do for others, especially for us. Ask the students to write 1-2 pages about the person in their life who is unselfish and helps every chance he or she can get. Perhaps this person will be the mom, the dad, grandma, or grandpa. The students will write about their very own Horton.

This lesson allows for some hands on learning as well as letting the student’s imaginations to grow.