DR. SEUSS THEODOR GEISEL Read Across America Day Reading Writing STEM Activity

This packet includes a rigorous reading passage and questions, 3 writing prompts (1 opinion, 1 informative, 1 narrative) in multiple formats, a hands-on STEM activity, and optional video links to build background knowledge and get information from multiple sources (CCSS skill!) all about Theodor Geisel (Dr. Seuss). Revising checklists, editing checklists, and color-coding charts for each writing type are also included.

Prompt Formats

Prompts are provided in several formats:

•Prompt Pages (all prompts on one page)

•Prose of the Week (students go through the entire writing process doing one step at a time)

•Prompt With Lines (students read prompt and respond on lines)

•PowerPoint (project prompt on the board and students respond in their notebooks-saves paper!).

•Revising and editing checklists for each type of writing are also included.

You can use these as creative writing opportunities or to teach writing. I personally have my students color-code their writing by underlining certain required elements in different colors. The kids like doing this, and it is very effective because it is a hands-on way of having them revise their work while allowing me to see which students don’t understand how to effectively incorporate those elements. I’ve include suggested color-code charts

This packet is easy, easy, EASY to use because everything you need is there...all you have to do is print and go!

Ideas for use:

•Use this on Dr. Seuss’s birthday or during Read Across America Week. By using the reading and writing, you can observe this “fun” day, but still have a rigorous assignment. Add in the STEM activity, and your kids will truly enjoy learning while you know that you’re incorporating 21stCentury Skills. In fact, this can be an excellent lesson to use when you are observed!

•After reading the passage, allow kids to choose which writing prompt they want to use.

•Use this for a week during your Writing Workshop time.

•Monday: read the passage and teach your skill focus of the week.

•Tuesday-Thursday: have them write to a different prompt each day. This will allow for a well-rounded writing curriculum.

•Friday: have students choose their best writing from the week and do a final draft to turn in.

•Use as morning work or homework. One of the writing prompt formats breaks down the writing into “bite-sized” pieces that would work well.

•Use this for a substitute. The reading passage and writing prompt are both available and well-explained, make it easy for a sub to use.