The Lorax

Tapping into the power of a well told tale, the Climate Advocates devised a teaching pack accompanying the classic Dr. Seuss story, The Lorax, to educate children aged between seven and nine of the issues around sustainability, consumption of goods and the future of the planet.

The pack focuses on connecting the message of the story to the children’s everyday lives and stressing its relevance for today and their future. This highlights the impact of their choices as consumers and how we should all consider the impact of our choices on our environment and the world around us. After an initial pilot scheme with selected teachers and educators, in April 2010 one hundred and thirty packs were sent out to Primary School Teachers in the eco-schools network. The pack includes The Lorax book and many activities for teachers to facilitate their teaching. Class discussions exercises give the children a chance to discuss their own experiences and interpretation of the story. The teacher can engage children in activities which help them recognise the difference between things they need and luxuries and understand advertising as a means of encouraging or discouraging people to buy things. The children can also play games reusing rubbish and old socks.