3rd–5th Grade

	Objectives Students will analyze the characters and events in The Lorax by Dr. Seuss, drawing comparisons between the fictitious environment and our own environment. Students will discuss ways to positively impact the environment.
	Materials Needed The Lorax by Dr. Seuss Small-Group Discussion Questions Colored pencils, pens or markers
	Introduction Discuss the meaning of Earth Day, and introduce the book to students. Explain that aside from being an enjoyable children’s story, The Lorax is a metaphor to make us think about the world around us and the impact we have on our environment. Invite students to listen carefully to the story and see if they can draw comparisons between the characters and events in the story and our own planet.
	Procedure Read aloud The Lorax by Dr. Seuss. Divide your class into small groups of four or five. Print the Small-Group Discussion Questions and cut apart the questions. Provide each group with a question to discuss. After 5–10 minutes of discussion, invite a spokesperson from each group to share the question and the group’s responses.
	Guided/Independent Practice Challenge students to brainstorm a list of ways they can impact the environment in a positive way (e.g., recycle aluminum cans, carpool, use energy-efficient lightbulbs and so on). Have each student choose 10 ideas and use them to create a “top 10 list” of planet-saving tips. Then prompt students to create a poster, a song or a play featuring their tips. Remind students that the more aware they are and the more they spread the word about taking care of the environment, the greater impact they will have!
	the 3rd–5th grade lesson plan. (Includes all printable materials.)

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