#2786. The Lorax Explorations

Reading/Writing, level: Middle
Posted Mon Jan 6 10:48:13 PST 2003 by Susan LaMarre (lamarre@ctc.net).
Kendall Valley Elementary, New London, USA
Materials Required: The Lorax by Dr. Seuss
Activity Time: Two forty-five minute periods
Concepts Taught: author's purpose- to entertain, to inform, to persuade; story elements

The Lorax Explorations

Who would have thought that Dr. Seuss's books are perfect for the middle student? The Lorax is a perfect springboard for classroom discussions, debates, and activities for this age student.

Websites consulted offered conflicting theories regarding Theodore Geisel's (Dr. Seuss) purpose in writing The Lorax. Some believe it was typical rhyming nonsense in the Seuss style, while others think it was written to convey a powerful message to help "save our planet".

*After reading the book, discuss with the students which main character they liked the best...The Onceler or The Lorax.

*Discuss why the book was written. Was the purpose to entertain, to inform, or to persuade?
(this text is great for teaching author's purpose)

Assignments:
1. Write a "Letter to the Editor" stating your opinion about the author's purpose in writing The Lorax. Do you think his intentions were to entertain or to persuade? Cite specific reasons and examples from the book to back up your stance.

2. Create an advertisement persuading someone to buy a Thneed.

3. Write a front page news article that informs the reader about an event from The Lorax.

4. Construct a tree map(graphic organizer) that shows your knowledge and understanding of the following as they relate to The Lorax: characterization, setting, problem, solution, theme, point of view, and plot.

5. Reread the last page of the text. Instruct students to write The Lorax II which lets the reader know what happened to the last of the Truffala Tree seeds.