You may think of him as a make-believe man in a striped hat, but the genius behind Dr. Seuss—Theodor Seuss Geisel—was very real, indeed. Born on Mar. 2, 1905, every year we celebrate this glorious, fabulous birthday by getting kids to Read Across America. We love Dr. Seuss, and we know you do too, so read on to for eight ways to have lots of good fun that is funny, today or any day.
photo: Amber Guetebier
1. Party like Fox in Socks.
Got a book-loving birthday boy or girl in your house? With some creativity and a few of your favorite characters, you can have a Seuss-tastic party in your own home.
2. Hear Like Horton.
Channel your inner Horton and outfit the kids with elephant ears they can wear inside, outside or even upside down.
photo of Lorax lunch plate by The Fantastic Five
3. Feast on Roast Beast.
Create a meal fit for all of Whoville with one of these Seuss-inspired recipes you can actually make, including green eggs and ham! And if eye candy is more your jam, here’s a dessert table that would make Thing 1 and Thing 2 seem calm.
4. Read, read, read.
Read in a car! Read in a train! Read in a box! Read with a fox! Whether it’s The Lorax, The Sneetches or another kid’s classic, make the man behind The Cat in the Hat proud by reading with your kids.
5. And write!
Not only was Dr. Seuss a proponent of reading, he remains an inspiration to aspiring young writers, showing kids that self-expression and silliness can be the highest form of literary art. Do Seuss proud with 3 clever (and easy) ideas for writing a story with kids.
photo: Rachel Kay Lynn
6. Do Cat-in-the-Hat projects.
Want to invite the Cat in the Hat into your house, even if your mother is not home? Try crafting one of our favorite easy projects inspired by this beloved Seussian feline.
7. Practice the rhythm method.
Try out a technique that will help kids explore the art of rhyme or freestyle poetry.
8. What Would Seuss Do?
If you should find yourself in Southern California (specifically the La Jolla area, where Dr. Seuss lived and wrote for many years) check out some of the ways to get in touch with the local legend. Or head to Orland, Fl where Universal Studios features Seuss Landing for all of your whimsical playtime needs!
—Amber Guetebier
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