Why The Grinch Loves Christmas
By Caroline Wyman
Objective: The students will be able to take home a journal and write a convincing entry as to why the Grinch should love Christmas. Grades 2-6
Initiation: Read the story "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" and discuss the characteristics of the Grinch and why the students think he is the way he is. Come up with thoughts and ideas as to why the Grinch and people in real life can be so miserable.
Development: After a discussion that will surely grab their attention, have a small Grinch made by either printing out his picture and gluing him onto cardboard to make him into a little figure or you can buy an inexpensive Grinch to have. You may want to buy or create 2 depending on how many journals you want to send out per day. Attach a letter inside the journal from the Grinch telling them why he doesn't like Christmas. The student's job is to then write back convincing him why he should love Christmas. The student can either write about their most favorite memory of Christmas or debate in their journal why it is better to love Christmas rather than be miserable like the Grinch. Each child will return the journal the following day until everyone has had a chance to write in the journal. After everyone has completed their journal entry, you can read and discuss everyone's "argument" to the Grinch. Point out distinctive reasons and details that represent a happy Christmas.
Closure: After discussing the journal entries, have the students come up with a story that is titled "Why The Grinch Loves Christmas".
Materials: Grinch story, journals, Grinch "doll"
Time: homework, 30-40min.
Caroline Wyman has a degree in Sociology and a Masters in Elementary Education and is the administrator for TeacherNet.com.