The Giving Tree

Summary:

This is the story of a little boy who continues to "lean" on his favorite tree who continues to give him his resources. The little boy continues to use the tree throughout his life until the tree is completely gone. Ironically the little boy when he grows into a man is buried in place of the tree, ultimately representing the circle of life.

About the Author: Shel Silverstein

Theme/Skill: Fiction, Selflessness, Life Lessons

Grade Level: K-4

Activities: Ask the students to think about a person or item in their life that they could not live without. What would you do without these things? Have you ever thought about the fact that you are using it too much? How does this relate to the environment and the world using the resources?

Reflection:

This story always makes me sad, because of how the story ends. Death is a sad subject for all and what worries me is that this would be a sad note to leave on. Students may struggle with coming back from that last sour taste in their mouth. Other students may be able to find connections with the story and relate to the situations that the little boy had to endure in the story.

The Lorax

Summary:

To follow in Dr. Suess's style The Lorax is written in his classic flow and terminology. With the hidden message of a "go green" attitude the Lorax is a character who is the defender of the trees. After his trees are used to make "Thneeds" he complains to the Once-lers about them ruining the trees. Their behavior continues and soon all the trees are gone, the Bar-ba-loots have no food and the air is polluted! The Lorax continues to make complaints against the Thneed making and no one will listen. Once all of the Truffula Trees have disappeared along with their animal friends, the Once-lers leave and their one final act is giving a Truffula seed to begin to grow trees again.

About the Author: Dr. Seuss

The famous Dr. Suess or Theodore Geisel has written many beloved classics for children. One theme that remains is that many of his books have a deeper meaning that adults would understand as well as children. The Lorax is one of these books as well as The Sneetches. Born in modern day Germany, Seuss began his career as a political cartoonist. He has written some of children's favorite books and critics need to look at why his books are still favorites after so many years. Seuss created new words and rhyming techniques that engage children and keep them wanting more. A child could never predict what would happen next in a Seuss book.  Many authors have tried to write like the famous Seuss, but few are able to even compete.

Theme/Skill: Rhyming, Poetry, Fantasy, Real Life Issues, Fiction, Science

Grade Level: All

Pre-Reading Activity:

Begin a discussion with students about what being "green" means. Ask them if they know about recycling and how everyone's behaviors affect the environment. You could introduce cause and effect with younger students and with older students you could begin to discuss political issues with the environment.

Post-Reading Activity:

After reading The Lorax  discuss the chain of events that occur in the story. Create a sequencing chart for what happened first, second, third, fourth and so on. Another lesson could be revisited to discuss how pollution can affect our environment in a horrible way.

Reflection:

While being a sixth grade teacher I would love to use this book to discuss poetry. Dr. Seuss books never get old to me and it keeps the students engaged. The plot may be hard to follow for some of my students now so using a story map and sequencing chart would be necessary. Its great that Dr. Seuss was before his time and was speaking out about environmental issues before there really were any.