Oh, the Places You'll Go - How to Incorporate a Book into the Classroom

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Oh, the Places You'll Go by Dr. Seuss is by far one of my favorite books to use with students of all ages.  The message in the book is simple... in life, there will be obstacles you must overcome; sometimes life will be easy, but other times it might seem little tough.  You have to dig deep within yourself to keep going until you reach success.  Along the way, you may also experience some loneliness; keep pushing until you reach your goal.

I love how Dr. Seuss created the main character in this book to be the reader (you) of the book.  It really allows the reader to stop along the way and think about the words he/she is reading. I know every time I read this book, I read it with a new viewpoint.  What I find fascinating about this particular book is any person can relate to it; whether it is a young student who has yet to experience life ahead or an adult who has lived a full life. Everyone seems to get something from reading this book.

In a classroom, Oh, the Places You'll Go can be used in a variety of ways.

1. Use the book as a read aloud. 
2. Use the book as in literature circles.
3. Use the book in a reading center with independent activities to complete. 
4. Have a class set of books. Each student reads the book and dissects the meanings behind the author's phrases and word choices. 

Before Reading the Book:

• Have students think of a place they would like to visit. Have each student draw a picture of a place they would like to visit. On a separate sheet of paper, have each student write a paragraph describing the place they would like to visit and why. Take the picture the students drew and create a picture quilt on a bulletin board for a visual.

After Reading the Book:

• Have each student write a letter to his/her future self. In the letter, have the students describe how his/her dreams for the future. How does he/she see himself/herself twenty years from now? What type of occupation will he/she have? Where will he/she live?

• In the book, the author refers to “moving mountains.” Ask the students to make a list of possible “mountains” they may have to move to achieve their future goals. 

• You can also have students write a narrative paragraph or essay about anything that pertains to visiting a new place, an obstacle they may have overcome to get where they are going now, a personal goal for the future, etc. The topics are endless. I have a narrative writing prompt I would love to share with you, and the best part is it is FREE! 

Click HERE For the FREEBIE!

On a personal note, I purchased this book for my daughter when she was born. We read this book to her all of the time.  When she began preschool, I purchased a new book. Each year I have her teachers write a note to her about how she was as a student, a funny story, or any other memories that were shared during the school year. I have kept this a secret from her, and when she is finished with school, I plan to give it to her as a present I know she will enjoy receiving. It serves as a gift full of many wonderful memories all preserved in one book. 

Head on over and grab a copy to keep in the classroom. You will see just how many ways you can incorporate this fantastic book into your classroom!

Happy Teaching!

We are entering the second week of May. For many schools, the school year is winding down. For others, you may just simply need a fun activity to get you and your students through to the end of the year. I have a couple of resources that have been my go-to when the students needed a break. They are all engaging and fun, and they are sure to be a hit with your students. 

Welcome to Middle School: End of the Year Activity is a wonderful culminating activity middle school students have enjoyed for numerous years. I created this activity about ten years ago at the end of the school year. It was an instant success. You are able to tailor it to fit the needs of your grade level and classroom needs. 

Here is what others have said about this resource: 

"I loved this activity. I was able to use it at the end of last year and then this year I displayed the work on a bulletin board in the hallway. It is nice for the new students and for the old students to come see their work!" ~Gabrielle

"I love this assignment! This is going to be wonderful our last two weeks of school! This is very well thought out and provides unique options for differentiated learning and ability. Thank you so much for the time and effort put into this." ~Jamie

"This is such a fun project! I am glad that I stumbled upon it as I was looking for a project like this. I was not disappointed as it far exceeded my expectations. Thank you for creating this!" ~Sandy

"This comprehensive activity was awesome. I will continue to use this year after year as a culminating activity. Thank you!" ~Nina

If you do not teach middle school, this is a wonderful resource to use. My Yearbook: End-of-the-Year Activity is great to use will all ages. It provides the students will templates to create their own yearbook, or memory book, of the year. Students love doing this, and the finished products are always fun to see. 

Here are some comments from others who have tried this resource in their classrooms: 

"My students LOVED making their memory books - I could tell because they took their time to make it look awesome!" ~Jen

"My students are working on this now. . and LOVING it! They said it was has been nice thinking of the whole year and all of the things we have learned and done together. A perfect project!" ~Jennifer

"My 7th graders loved this activity!" ~Nicole

"Fun end of the year activity, thanks!" ~Stephanie

If you teach PreK, I have a resource for you, too! My Pre-K Memories is a fun way to end the Pre-K year. I made this for my daughter a couple of years ago because I wanted a keepsake of her Pre-K days. It turned out so cute. 

What others have to say about it: 

"This was a great gift for my kids at the end of the year! I love it!" ~Sarina

"Made a great end of year activity." ~Tracy

"Great book,will tell my friends to buy." ~Anonymous

No matter what grade level you teach, I hope you will find one of these resources perfect to incorporate into your classroom to end the year on a fun, engaging, and positive note.