The many hats of Theodor Seuss Geisel: introduction to writing materials

To honor Ted Geisel (a/k/a Dr. Seuss) on the anniversary of his 100th birthday, NEA, with Random House Children's Books and with support from Dr. Seuss Enterprises, has developed materials to help educators and others take children on an in-depth odyssey to learn about the man behind the pseudonym.

"The Many Hats of Ted Geisel" materials will help educators explore with students the many hats Ted Geisel wore, and open their minds to inspiration from the creative, imaginative genius of Dr. Seuss. Educators can use these materials as part of a year-long writing project, a special writing unit, or select from the activities to enhance language arts programs.

Introduction

Children naturally associate Dr. Seuss with a very particular hat -- the red and white stovepipe of the Cat in the Hat. Some young readers have made such a strong connection between the cheapeaued feline and Seuss that they think they are one and the same.

Ted Geisel may have felt kinship toward the lanky, mischevious, hat-wearing Cat, but the "hats" Geisel wore as an author, artist, advertising man and book publisher are our categories for exploring his rich, fulfilled life. Once this exploration is complete, students will have enjoyed building skills and imagination through pre-writing, writing, editing, illustrating, reading, publishing, and advertising activities. The activities are designed to help students through the creative process of writing their own children's picture book, but each activity can also stand alone as a useful classroom exercise.

Details to share with students about Geisel's life and work can be found in his in-depth biography. "Imagination Pad" templates are provided to reproduce and give to students to use as a launching place for their own creative writing -- similar to the notes and notebooks Ted Geisel kept as he created his books.

Ted Geisel really did have many hats -- hundreds, in fact. And for each one there was a story that went along with it. Geisel often put on a hat, like a fireman's helmet or a fez, for a bit of nonsense and fun.

A bit of nonsense and fun can lead to great creativity in the classroom. Activity suggestions are separated by grade level, but children of all ages can learn from trying on the many hats of Dr. Seuss.