What you need:
- A Dr. Seuss book, such as The Cat in the Hat, Marvin K. Mooney Will You Please Go Now, or Horton Hears a Who.
- Drawing paper
- Washable markers or crayons
- Play dough of various colors
What to do:
- Read a Dr. Seuss book to the children to show them examples of all kinds of imaginary creatures.
- Talk about Dr. Seuss' illustrations and the variety of imaginary characters in his books.
- Give the children time to think about an imaginary animal they want to create.
- Children draw their imaginary animal and give it a name, maybe even a silly name, that an adult can write on their drawing.
- Each child can tell about his or her imaginary animal.
- The next day, the children can make up a story about their imaginary animal to dictate to the adult. Over the next few days each story can be read to the group.
- Another day the children can make play dough figures of their imaginary animals for an art project.
CAUTION:
Young children can choke on small objects and toy parts. All items used for children under three years of age and any children who put toys in their mouths should be at least 1¼ inch in diameter and between 1 inch and 2¼ inches in length. Oval balls and toys should be at least 1¾ inch in diameter. Toys should meet federal small parts standards. Any toys or games labeled as unsuitable for children under three should not be used.
Other items that pose a safety risk and should not be accessible to children under three include, but are not limited to: button batteries, magnets, plastic bags, styrofoam objects, coins, balloons, latex gloves, and glitter.
Activities 13-3 partial
