These are enrichment activities to be used when reading the book, The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss. These lessons are designed to be used before, during, and after reading. The book can be read individually, aloud as a large group, or in small groups.

Lesson Title: Character Web

Summary: Students will prepare a character web over the two main characters from the book The Lorax. Student’s prior knowledge of characterization will be used to complete each character web.

Objective:
1. To demonstrate an understanding of character traits.
2. To recall facts, characters, and events from The Lorax, and evidence to certain character traits.

TEKS:
Language Arts (6.11, A), (6.11, D), (6.12, F)
Art (6.C, 1, A)

Assessment:
1. Observe and review student’s final product.

Materials:
1. Copy of The Lorax, by Dr. Seuss
2. Copies of Character Map

Procedures:
1. Students will begin by taking notes over the two main characters as they read the story.
2. At the end of the story the students will be assigned character webs.
3. Instruct students to think of four character traits for each character.
4. For each trait, ask the student to return to the book and find two instances when the character displayed each trait. When possible have them use specific quotations and use them as examples to write in the rectangles.

Modifications:
1. If necessary page numbers may be provided for students.
2. Students may use pictures to show the character in the scene that supports the character trait.

Lesson Title: Sticky Note Summary

Summary: Students will prepare a summary after reading the book, The Lorax. Student’s prior knowledge of summarizing will be used to complete the summary.

Objective:
1. To demonstrate knowledge of summaries and how to write a complete summary.
2. To show understanding of the five W’s: who, what, where, when, why.

TEKS:
Language Arts: (6.9, B), (6.10, A), (6.10, B), (6.10, F), (6.10, G), (6.12.G), (6.15, C)

Assessment:
Grade students on their understanding of the five W’s, and their understanding of the story.

Materials:
1. copy of The Lorax
2. sticky notes
3. copy of summary format
4. notebook paper

Procedure:
1. After reading the story, instruct students to label sticky notes with the five W’s. One sticky note for each W (who, what, where, when, why).
2. Students will mark the appropriate response on each sticky note as they review the story. These sticky notes will be placed on the edge of the pages as the information is found.
3. The students will arrange the sticky notes in the correct order for their summary: who, when, where, what, why.
4. Inform students to complete Summary Format using the information on the sticky notes.
5. Using the information in the format the students will create a final copy of their summary.
6. Encourage students to “make it their own”; do not copy the format verbatim.

Modifications:
1. Students may be provided with page numbers if necessary.
2. Students may work with peer partners to complete Sticky Note Summary.

Lesson Title: Environment/Conservation PowerPoint

Summary: Students will research and prepare a PowerPoint presentation about the environment/conservation and how it applies to The Lorax.

Objectives:
1. Use student’s prior knowledge of the environment and conservation to guide research.
2. Increase student understanding of how conservation affect them.
3. Create student knowledge of how to use PowerPoint.

TEKS:
Language Arts (6.8, B), (6.8, D), (6. 9, E), (6.9, F), (6.10, A), (6.10, B), (6.10, G), (6. 10. I), (6. 12, B), (6. 13, A), (6. 13, E), (6.13, I), (6.15, B), (6.15, C), (6.15, D), (6. 15, E)
Social Studies (6.3, B), (6.6, A), (6. 6, B), (6.7, C)
Tech (6.1, H), (6.7, G)

Assessment:
Grade students on their understanding of PowerPoint. Students should also show an understanding that the environment and conservation is a major theme in The Lorax.

Materials:
1. copies of The Lorax
2. PowerPoint program
3. Internet assess

Resources:
Internet websites

Procedure:
1. Instruct student on the use of the PowerPoint program
2. In small groups students will research conservation and how it impacts the environment.
3. Students will use their research to create a PowerPoint presentation to be presented to the class.

Modifications:
1. Information and graphics could be gathered for student use.
2. Specific website could be listed for students.

Lesson Title: “Put Yourself in the Author’s Shoes”

Summary: Students will prepare a letter to the teacher that supports the author’s purpose. Student’s prior knowledge of letter writing will be used to create a letter explaining the author’s purpose to others.

Objective:
Language Art (6. 8, C), (6.8, D), (6. 10, B), (6.10, F), (6. 10, G), (6.10, M), (6. 11, A), (6. 11, C), (6.12, A), (6. 12, H), (6.14, C), (6.15.H)
Assessment:
Grade students on understanding on author’s purpose and their ability to support their answers.

Materials:
1. copies of The Lorax
2. copies of “Put Yourself in the Author’s Shoes”

Procedures:
1. Engage student’s prior knowledge of author’s purpose.
2. Instruct students to complete assignment “Put Yourself in the Author’s Shoes”
3. using the information from the “shoes” paper students should write a letter to the teacher. The letter should state their opinion on the author’s purpose in writing The Lorax. They should cite specific reasons and examples from the book to back up their stance.

Modifications:
1. Students may use peer partners to help decide the author’s purpose.
2. Students may be provided the author’s purpose and then be able to support the given answer.

Lesson Title: Advertisement

Summary: Students will create an advertisement persuading others to buy a Thneed. They will produce the advertisement on the computer using Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher.

Objectives:
1. Students will demonstrate an understanding of persuasion.
2. Students will demonstrate an understanding of the use of Microsoft Word or Publisher.
TEKS
Language Art (6. 8, D), (6. 10. B), (6. 10, C), (6.10, J), (6. 11. D), (6.12.I), (6.15, B), (6. 15, F), (6. 15, H)
Social Studies (6.9, A), (6.9, B) (6.10, B)
Tech (6.1, C), (6.7, D), (6.7, G)

Assessment:
Grade students on their understanding of persuasion, following directions, and their ability to create an advertisement using computer software.

Materials:
1. computer
2. Microsoft Word or Microsoft Publisher software

Resources:
Microsoft software

Procedure:
1. Students will begin by having a lesson to refresh their memory on persuasion techniques.
2. Students will brain storm ideas for an advertisement that will be used to sell Thneeds. Ad must include: what is a Thneed, why others would need one, how much Thneeds cost, and where a customer would purchase a Thneed.
3. Students will create an advertisement on the computer using Microsoft Word or Publisher.
4. Instruct students to make sure that their ad will catch others attention.

Modifications:
1. Pair students with a peer partner if needed.
2. Allow students to create advertisement without using a computer if necessary.