This morning I had the pleasure of enjoying Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas at my daughter's school. It was a one-woman rendition (technically two: the gym teacher played the role of Little CindyLou Who) for all of the K/1 classes (there are eight!).
For 30 minutes, all the 'Hoos here in Hooville, "the tall and the small," made not a sound as they watched poetry in motion. There was nary a wiggle or sound, except to remind Ms. Maylee that you don't stand on chairs (it was the Grinch's sleigh). No doubt the kids were familiar with the story, either reading the book at home or watching the TV program. Still, every one of them paid close attention. Watching the performance reminded me how powerful reading out loud can be ... even when it's something they have heard hundreds of times.
If you don't have a copy handy, you'll find the complete text of How the Grinch Stole Christmas and other great seasonal stories and poems to read aloud at christmaspoems.com. Be creative ... make the pictures come to life with your own homemade props. Here's what Ms. Maylee had: a pair of stuffed heart pillows (you can make two from paper), some empty sacs, a stuffed dog with a twig tied to his head, some string for reins, a chair for a sled, torn paper for snowflakes, and Santa hat. Let your audience be Little CindyLou Who.
You might also check out the Grinch's page in Seussville. You'll find plenty of Grinchy-activities. Also be sure to stop by Author Amok for this week's Poetry Friday round-up. You'll find great seasonal selections there, as well.
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