The Lorax (2012): Exploring Earth Day Themes (Ages 13 & under)

This story is an example of a fable (which is a type of story with a lesson) to address concern about the danger of greed causing human destruction of the natural environment.  The story utilizes personification (which means the author uses human form or characteristics to represent abstract qualities) to create relatable characters for industry.  Examples of personification include industrialization (represented by the "Onceler"), the environment (represented by the "Truffula" trees) and environmental activism (represented by the Lorax).

Avatar (2009): Exploring Earth Day Themes (Ages 12+)

Avatar (2009) takes us to the amazing world of "Pandora", where a man embarks on an epic journey of adventure and love, ultimately fighting to save the unique place he has learned to call home. This film provides an immersive, exciting experience, where revolutionary technology meets engaging characters in a timeless, emotional story.

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Family Fun Night Suggestion 

Explore "The Lorax" - A Night for Exploring the Importance of Preserving the Earth & the Environment

The Lorax is a children's book written by Dr. Seuss and published in 1971.  It illustrates the demise of the environment and the Lorax, the main character, who "speaks for the trees" and confronts the "Onceler" (a capitalistic businessman) who causes environmental destruction.  For family fun night, read the Dr. Seuss book and/or watch the animated cartoon (approx 25 minutes long) then discuss (Consider the Engagement Suggestions that Maestra Casiano has provided below).

This story is an example of a fable (which is a type of story with a lesson) to address concern about the danger of greed causing human destruction of the natural environment.  The story utilizes personification (which means the author uses human form or characteristics to represent abstract qualities) to create relatable characters for industry.  Examples of personification include industrialization (represented by the "Onceler"), the environment (represented by the "Truffula" trees) and environmental activism (represented by the Lorax). The story encourages people to take an active role and become involved in making the situation better: a quote from the Lorax states, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not". The Lorax shows Dr Seuss’s views on climate change and pollution, teaching kids about how important it is to do our part to protect our environment or in this case Truffula trees.

The story, The Lorax, was admittingly Dr. Seuss's personal favorite of the books he authored. He was able to create an engaging story addressing industrialization, frivolous economic pursuits, and environmental issues. Dr. Seuss stated: "The Lorax came out of me being angry. The ecology books I'd read were dull...In The Lorax I was out to attack what I think are evil things and let the chips fall where they might".

Family Engagement Suggestions:

* Read the book, The Lorax, which can be purchased through Learning Made Fun With Maestra Casiano (Click Here)

* Discuss the events that happen in the story

* Discuss the use of personification (a type of figurative language) in the story.  Brainstorm other examples of personification.

* Create a Flow Chart to show the "causes" & their "effects" in the story

* How does the story of The Lorax make your child feel?  Is the Lorax a character your child would like to meet?  Why or why

   not?  How could your child & your family help the Lorax?  

* If you read the book & watch the cartoon, compare & contrast how they are the same & how they are different.  Which media

  presentation does your child prefer? Why?

*For K-3rd Graders, download, print, & complete "The Lorax Writing" worksheet (Click Here)

*For 4th-7th Graders, download, print, & complete "The Lorax Discussion Questions" (Click Here)

*For 8th-12th Graders, download, print, & complete "Exploring Environmental Themes in "The Lorax" & Real-World Analogies" (Click Here)