Dive into the world of Dr. Seuss with these Lorax activities. Dr. Seuss Week is a celebration that honors the life and contributions of Theodor Seuss Geisel, popularly known as Dr. Seuss, a renowned American author and illustrator of children’s books. This celebration usually coincides with Dr. Seuss’s birthday on March 2nd.
Dr. Seuss’s books are known for their whimsical characters, rhyming language, and imaginative stories. Dr. Seuss Week lies in its focus on promoting literacy, fostering a love of reading, and encouraging creativity among children.
During Dr. Seuss Week, various activities are organized to engage children in the world of Dr. Seuss. These activities may include reading his books, dressing up as characters from his stories, and participating in themed events and games. Because this is Teach Go Green, we’re focusing on Dr. Seuss’s book, The Lorax!
Here are 25 Ways to Celebrate Dr. Seuss Week with Lorax Activites!
Rock Painting
Rock painting is such a captivating activity for students and adults alike! Combine this easy, low-prep activity with environmental messaging centered around The Lorax. As children transform ordinary rocks into vibrant works of art, they have the opportunity to convey powerful messages about conservation, recycling, and the importance of protecting our planet. For lorax activities like rock painting, use themes such as:
- Environmental stewardship
- Conservation
- Responsibility
- Understanding how humans impact the environment
- Impacts of pollution on the environment
- Deforestation
- Overconsumption
- Economic growth and environmentalism
- Water pollution
Related Post: Best Creative Rock Painting Ideas For Earth Day (Easy + Fun)
Coloring Sheets
Looking for Lorax activities? Don’t forget about coloring pages! Download these coloring pages which feature characters and scenes from The Lorax!
Wear Lorax Mustaches and Read the Book
You can start the day by reading “The Lorax” outline or having students read at home. Next, follow up with the story by having students decorate and wear their Lorax mustaches. The students can then discuss the Lorax’s message and environmental themes from the book.
Writing Prompts
TFor this week, Lorax activities can also be used for older students, like these writign prompts! The Lorax tackles topics like environmental conservation, deforestation, corporate greed, and the consequences of unchecked industrialization. Here are 15 writing prompts about The Lorax.
- Imagine you are the Once-ler, the character who encountered the Lorax. Write a diary entry expressing your thoughts and feelings about the consequences of your actions.
- Create an alternate ending for “The Lorax.” How might the story change if different choices were made by the characters?
- Write a letter from the Lorax to the current generation, urging them to take action and protect the environment. What advice and warnings would the Lorax provide?
- Explore the concept of “Unless” from the story. Write a personal essay about the importance of individual responsibility in environmental conservation.
- Develop a dialogue between the Lorax and the Once-ler discussing the impact of greed on the environment. How does this conversation unfold?
- Design a new character who joins the Lorax in advocating for the environment. Describe their appearance, personality, and the role they play in the story.
- Write a persuasive essay encouraging others to adopt sustainable practices based on the lessons learned from “The Lorax.”
- Imagine you live in the world depicted in “The Lorax.” Write a journal entry detailing a day in your life and how the environmental challenges affect you.
- Explore the symbolism of the Truffula trees in the story. What do they represent, and how does their fate parallel real-world environmental issues?
- Develop a children’s book inspired by “The Lorax” that conveys an environmental message in a new and creative way.
- Write a poem inspired by the themes of environmentalism and conservation found in “The Lorax.”
- Create a storyboard for an animated short film adaptation of “The Lorax.” Highlight key scenes and moments that capture the essence of the story.
- Write a news article reporting on the events in the world of “The Lorax.” Include interviews with characters and expert opinions on the environmental crisis.
- Craft a dialogue between the Lorax and a skeptical character who doubts the importance of protecting the environment. How does the Lorax respond to their concerns?
- Imagine the Once-ler has a chance at redemption. Write a short story exploring the steps he takes to undo the environmental damage caused by his actions in the original story.
Class Discussion Questions
These Lorax activities can be downloaded on Teachers Pay Teachers as the Lorax questions pdf. This makes it easy to use electronically via Google Docs or as printable pages.
Here are 12 Lorax Discussion questions that will kickstart the conversation with your students:
- Who is the Lorax? What does he represent? Who is the once-ler? What does he represent?
- What was the natural resource the Once-ler used? What product did he make with this resource? Could he have made this product without using this resource? How?
- What was the environment like before the once-ler arrived? Was it a type of environment you would want to live in?
- What was the environment like after the once-ler chopped down trees? Did it have any impact on the health of the Lorax?
- How did the once-lers business impact the Bar-ba-loots? The Swomee-Swans? The Humming-Fish?
- How do you think the Once-ler felt after the last Truffula Tree was chopped? Do you think the once-ler learned his lesson? If so, what was the lesson?
- Why do you think the Lorax was so mad at the Once-ler? Why do you think the Once-ler didn’t listen to him?
- Why do you think the Once-ler felt like he had to grow bigger and bigger? Do you think the Once-ler was wrong for continuing to grow?
- What does the Lorax mean when he says “he speaks for the trees?” In the real world do we have a responsibility to speak for the trees? Why or why not?
- The Lorax says “Sir! You are crazy with greed.” What is greed? Do you agree with the Lorax? Why or why not?.
- How much does the Once-ler pay for each Truffula tree he uses? How much does he charge for each Theed? Is there an environmental cost to making theeds? What is it?
- What are some of the sustainable strategies the Once-ler gives to the boy in the story? Can you think of any others?
Compare the difference between movie and book
Is there a difference between The Lorax book and the film version? Use these Lorax activities to find out! Here are some ways to compare the Lorax movie to the Lorax book:
- Analyze how closely the movie sticks to the plot, characters, and themes present in the book. Use a comparison chart to identify significant deviations or additions between the two.
- Look closely at how the characters are portrayed in the movie compared to the book. Are there any changes in their personalities? Are the characters’ motivations and relationships the same in the movie as they are in the book?
- Compare the dialogue in the movie to the language used in the book. Are there any additions or modifications?
- Are there any additional scenes, subplots, or background information provided in the movie? How does this impact the narrative compared to the book?
- How are the environmental messages of the book translated into the film?
Venn Diagram Lorax Place Before and After
Compare and contrast the land of the Lorax before and after the Once-ler.
Give A Book Review
Here’s a guide to help your students do some close reading by writing a book review of the Lorax. The students will think of the various aspects of the Lorax story to include in this review.
- Write the name of the author, the book title, publication year, and the book theme
- Write 5-10 facts about the author
- Write a hook (a quote, a question, or an interesting fact related to the book)
- Provide background information about the book.
- Summarize the plot of the book (highlight the main characters, the setting, and the central conflict…without giving away too many spoilers).
- Identify 3-5 environmental themes and messages in the book. For example, how does this book address issues like conservation, corporate responsibility, and the impact of human actions on nature?
- Analyze the characters in The Lorax. Discuss their personalities, motivation, and their character development.
- Discuss the writing style and tone of the book. Mention Dr. Seuss’s rhymes and wordplay and how they contribute to the book’s appeal.
- Add in your personal opinion. Express your own thoughts and feelings about the book. What did you enjoy the most? What parts were the most thought-provoking?
- Relate the book to release life. How can messages from this book (remember question 6) be applied to environmental destruction and sustainability in real life?
- For the final portion of this project, summarize your key points and write your conclusion. Would you recommend this book to others? Why or why not?
Truffula Tree Craft
Using the Lorax theme, have students create their own truffula trees. While some Lorax activities may require more time and prep, this is a simple activity. This is even a great activity for Earth Day! This free Truffula Tree download is one of those Lorax activities that are easy to implement and so much fun for younger children. They can cut out the tree and write one way they can make a difference. This can even be used as a word wall or bulletin board ideas. I use this Truffula Tree from TPT sellers. You can download it here!
Plant Seeds
One of my favorite Lorax activities is planting! Add plant seeds to plastic cups, egg shells, or egg cartons with dirt for this activity. This activity helps to connect the theme of reforestation in The Lorax by having students create their own small plants. Not only is planting good life skills, but it also has a positive environmental impact Discuss how planting seeds is important to the environment. Make the connection truffula trees and real forests. To make your seed cups into truffula trees, use pipe cleaners, glue, and pom poms. Add the “truffula trees” in the cup with the seeds.
Environmental Science Activity Pack
For older middle school students or high school students, check out this full Environmental Science activity packet! This packet is packed with worksheets you can associate with the book. Use these worksheets as Lorax activities to teach your students about climate change, global warming, and environmental awareness. Using different activities, older students can do independent work and use fun activities to have a better understanding of our impact on the Earth. This is a great way to tie in The Lorax and facilitate critical thinking as well as a great resource to discuss natural resources.
This Journal Includes:
- Educational background about Earth, Greenhouse gas effect, climate change, terrestrial ecosystems, aquatic ecosystems, roles in an ecosystem, human impact on climate change, and more.
Activities Include:
- Understanding Greenhouse Gases (+ answer key)
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Greenhouse Gase Effect
- Evidence of Climate Change
- Trends in Climate Change
- Abiotic Versus Biotic
- Coloring Pages
- Make Your Own Compost Activity
- Earth Friendly Trivia
- Mini Eco Home Audit
- Nature Walk Journal Sheet
- Nature Walk Journal Prompts
Take a Nature Walk
Take the class on a nature walk to observe the environment. Discuss the different elements of nature the students encounter and how they can contribute to conservation efforts. To help, I’ve created a nature walk guide for you! This is one of the most popular resources on my Teachers Pay Teachers store. This activity can easily be incorporated into your lesson plans and allow the students to have a great time while also celebrating with the popular book The Lorax.
This nature walk journal template includes a nature walk observation sheet, an outdoor 5 sense nature walk worksheet, 2 different kinds of nature scavenger hunts, a nature walk reflection sheet, and 10 nature walk journal prompt ideas. I hope this nature walk journal helps to enhance your students’ experience and create a meaningful record of their explorations!
Lorax Pledge
Use this pledge sheet to have your students talk about how they would help our earth! Encourage students to write down their pledges on colorful cards or create a class display to showcase their commitments. These pledges can serve as a visual reminder of the positive actions they are taking to protect the environment, inspired by the Lorax’s message of environmental stewardship.
Lorax-Themed Snacks
Have a snack time with Lorax-themed treats, such as Truffula tree-inspired snacks or fruit representing the vibrant colors found in the book.
Lorax-Themed Bulletin Board
Create a Lorax-themed bulletin board showcasing students’ artwork, Earth Day pledges, and key messages from “The Lorax.”
I hope you enjoyed this blog post about Lorax activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss Week!
We can use Dr. Seuss Week as an opportunity to instill a love of books and reading in children, promoting literacy as a fundamental skill for lifelong learning, more specifically promoting a love for the Earth with the Lorax. The Lorax is one of my favorite books of all time. The celebration serves as a reminder of the positive impact literature can have on a child’s development, encouraging creativity, imagination, and a passion for learning.
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