obSEUSSed: Dr. Seuss' Birthday

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

PBS Kids is celebrating Dr. Seuss’ birthday, Wednesday March 2, with a special 2 hour long marathon of The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, featuring two new episodes. (Visit PBS to find your local PBS TV station and times.)

PBS Kids has been our “go to” TV channel for years (we are lucky to have 2 PBS stations in Utah). I’ve always loved the safe and educational programs for kids. This past year made me tune in to PBS even more. They started showing The Cat in the Hat Knows A Lot About That, a Dr. Seuss inspired cartoon that uses rhyming to teach science in a child-friendly format. We love to sing along with the Cat in the Hat as he he hops in the Thing-a-ma-jigger to “Go, Go, Go, Go, on an adventure.” Martin Short is the voice of the Cat and does a splendiferous job. If you have PBS, make sure to check this show out during the day with your kids. Episodes are also available on DVD now.

PBS has a great Dr. Seuss Birthday page with ideas and printables to celebrate the day.

PBS Kids already has a variety of Cat in the Hat online videos, games, printables and activities to tie into the show, but this week they are introducing two new games. The Great Nocturnal Hat Hunt and Such Great Heights.

Thursday, February 24, 2011

The celebrations start this week for Read Across America Day and Dr. Seuss' Birthday. The official day is March 2 but many places celebrate anytime during that week. This holiday is a wonderful way to encourage reading for young children.

Our elementary school started a Readathon today with a Dr. Seuss theme. The PTA knew I was obSEUSSed so they asked if the Cat in the Hat could come visit during lunch to remind all the kids to be reading and tracking their minutes. My husband was so great to jump in our Cat in the Hat costume and walk around the lunchroom juggling balls and talking to the kids. He was a great physical reminder for the kids to be reading this week.

To see how I made this Cat in the Hat costume click here.

The PTA did a great job decorating the doors and halls around school with hand-drawn Dr. Seuss graphics.

Here are some other places and ideas to celebrate Read Across America Day:

Read Across America to pledge to read with your child on March 2.

The National Education Association (NEA) has great resources and links for classrooms and libraries.

Seussville has great printable activities and online games. You can also make your own 'Who' character.

On Saturday, February 26

Target has Dr. Seuss story time and special Dr. Seuss books on sale for 2 for $10.

Lakeshore Learning will offer Dr. Seuss Craft time from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 pm at many locations on Saturday, February 26, 2011.

On Wednesday, March 2, PBS Kids is having a marathon showing 2 hours of "The Cat in the Hat Knows a Lot About That!", including new episodes. Check your local stations for times. See the TV spot for this on PBS Kids.