Monday, March 3, 2014

Dr. Seuss Week: Horton Hatches the Egg

Yesterday was kind of a big day in the reading community.  As you may know, March 2nd is the birthday of Theodore Seuss Geisel, who is better known as Dr. Seuss.  In celebration, I'll be highlighting our favorite books throughout the week, along with some fun activities.  Check back throughout the week!
We kicked off the week by reading Horton Hatches the Egg.  My kids love the story as much as I do.
Horton Hatches the Egg
by Dr. Seuss
Perfect for 5-9 year olds
Originally published in 1940
 

Lazy bird Mayzie is tired of sitting on her egg and wants to go on vacation.  She persuades Horton to take over, despite his protests of the logistics of an elephant sitting on an egg in a tree.  Mayzie heads off to Palm Beach and decides to never return.  Poor Horton is left sitting on the egg, but stays true to his word.

Sweet Horton sits through lightning and rainstorms, teasing from his animal friends, and winter storms.  He is found by some hunters, packed up in a wagon, and hauled through the mountains, only to have to go on a sea voyage.  To make matters worse, he is sold to a traveling circus show and is mocked for sitting up in a tree.  And yet he remains as faithful and true as can be! 

The circus ends up in Palm Beach and Mayzie happens to come by just in time to see the egg hatch.  What flies out?  Well, you'll have to read it to find out!


After we read the story, we made our own nests and painted eggs to resemble Horton's.  To make the nests, melt 8 squares (16 0z) of almond bark over low heat.  Remove from heat and stir in 4 cups of chow mein noodles.


Pour mixture into three different mounds on a piece of aluminum foil or wax paper.  One batch will provide enough mixture to make three nests.  Let cool for a few minutes.  Shape into a nest.

We painted hard boiled eggs with red and white acrylic paint.  I then cut off a corner of a Ziploc bag and put the egg in the plastic corner to prevent paint from coming in contact with the nest that we would later be eating.


Interesting Fact:

Horton wasn't an original candidate for the name of the elephant in early drafts.  Early candidates were Osmer, Bosco, and Humphrey.  (Information found here.)


Hope you are having as much fun as we are! 
Happy reading!

Emily

3 comments:

  1. That is so cute! I love the nest making idea. Oh man - those littles of yours did a great job with their egg painting! I have no idea why I have never read this Dr. Seuss book.

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  2. That is adorable! I love Dr. Seuss! Thanks for the the fun recommendation and idea!

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  3. Love this! I used to make bird's nests with my students. Horton was one of my favorite Seuss characters when I was growing up.

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