Did you know that something as fun as a rhyme is an important step on the path to reading?
This simple play with words is an important stage in preliteracy. Not only does it help children to develop phonological awareness, but it also helps to increase one’s memory and knowledge of sight words. Rhyming is highly associated with later reading function so make sure to find some time to rhyme!
Who better to read with rhymes than Dr. Seuss? Read Across America! Dr. Seuss Day is March 2 Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod) picked Horton Hears a Who!
What’s a Bully? What’s a Friend?
In Horton Hears a Who!, there are characters who tease and say mean things, like the kangaroos. Then there is Horton, who listens, supports, and protects the Whos. Explain that bullies say mean things, while friends say nice things. Ask your child to listen carefully to the quotes below and shout “Bully!” or “Friend!” after each quote.
- “You’re the biggest blame fool in the Jungle of Nool!”
- “You’re safe now. Don’t worry. I won’t let you down.”
- “Find THAT!” sneered the bird. “But I think you will fail.”
- “I’ll stick by you small folks through thin and through thick!”
- “Grab him!” they shouted. “And cage the big dope!”
- “Don’t give up! I believe in you all!”
Discuss Life Lessons from Horton the Elephant
Read Horton Hatches the Egg, Horton Hears a Who!, and Horton and the Kwuggerbug and More Lost Stories, and use the following questions to lead a discussion about Horton and his inspiring character.
- In Horton Hears a Who!, Horton says, “A person’s a person, no matter how small.” What motivates Horton to protect the Whos? Why do you think Horton persisted even when the other animals made fun of him?
- In Horton Hatches the Egg, Horton says, “I meant what I said and I said what I meant. . . . An elephant’s faithful one hundred percent.” Why does Horton agree to sit on the egg while Mayzie goes on vacation?
- In “Horton and the Kwuggerbug,” the Kwuggerbug says, “A deal is a deal.” Why does Horton agree to carry the bossy Kwuggerbug to the Beezlenut tree under such extreme conditions?
- Horton stands up for those that are smaller and weaker than him, but he does not always stand up for himself. How would you stand up for yourself and others in the situations Horton faced?
- How does Horton save the day in each book? What behaviors and actions result in Horton being a hero?
*Suggestions taken from: Seussville.com