A renowned writer and illustrator, Dr. Seuss loved to create books that inspired people and sparked their imaginations. Whether it's Oh, the Places You'll Go, Green Eggs and Ham, or another Seuss title, Dr. Seuss' creative rhymes and illustrations continue to resonate with people of all ages. In honor of Dr. Seuss' birthday, here are five Dr. Seuss quotes you can live by as a teacher:
1. "I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living."
Teachers have a never-ending to-do list, but don't be afraid of a little nonsense in your personal life or in your classroom. Having a little fun with your friends and family can help you stay healthy, relax after a long day, or refocus your energy. It's also important to remember that a little nonsense in the classroom can go a long way in helping children learn and pay attention. Try telling a story in a funny voice or having children come up with their own Seuss-like rhyme.
2. "You'll miss the best things if you keep your eyes shut."
Time passes by so quickly, and it's easy to get caught up in completing a task or teaching that one last part of your lesson plan before the bell rings. Yes, it's important to prioritize, but focusing on one thing too much can cause you to miss out on what's going on around you (e.g., someone's birthday, a child's success, or something as simple as a beautiful sunset). Be sure you make a conscious effort to keep your eyes open!
3. "A person's a person, no matter how small."
The challenging behaviors and everyday issues you face in the classroom can make you frustrated, but it's important that you remember children are people too. They want to be treated with respect, which is something Seuss excelled at in his writing. Seuss once said, "I think I can communicate with kids because I don't try to communicate with kids…I treat the child as an equal." Developing trust and nourishing respect in the classroom is an essential component of any successful learning environment and instructional strategy.
4. "Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the things you can think up if you only try."
Finding a solution to an issue in the classroom or at home isn't always easy—sometimes it can be downright difficult! This quote from Dr. Seuss is a great reminder to keep thinking and to not get stuck thinking in one way—try thinking outside of the box or going someplace new or different for inspiration. You never know what will give you an idea! Depending on the issue, you can also ask your friends, family, or fellow teachers to help you brainstorm ideas.
5. "You're never too old, too wacky, too wild, to pick up a book and read to a child."
This is one of our favorite Dr. Seuss quotes, and it's certainly true! Even if it's for only a few minutes, you should never pass up the opportunity to read to a child. Reading plays a vital role in helping children develop literacy skills, and it also impacts how successful children are in school and in life. Remember, being wacky, fun, or wild when reading to children is a great way to capture their attention and foster a love of reading.