Are you searching for fun and unique activities to celebrate Dr. Seuss and Read Across America Day? Below you’ll find some colorful ideas using Wikki Stix, the original wax covered creatables.
Wikki Stix Fish Creations
After reading One fish Two fish Red fish Blue fish by Dr. Seuss, give the children one White Wikki Stix, two Green Wikki Stix, one Red Wikki Stix, and one Blue Wikki Stix.
To make the fish – have the children form an X from the two ends of one Wikki Stix. The ends of the X will form the tail and the top portion will make the oval for the fish’s body (see photo above.) The children can mount their fish creations on a piece of construction paper (the Wikki Stix will act as glue so none is needed) and add eyes with crayons or markers. Assist younger children in labeling their fish craft.
One of the most beloved Dr. Seuss books is Cat in the Hat! Using Wikki Stix as a line guide for beginning readers is helpful! The Wikki Stix will adhere to the page and can be removed without harming the book.
BEGINNING LETTER SOUNDS – Wikki Stix Making Beginning Letters
Materials needed: One Wikki Stix Making Beginning Letters printable for each child, scissors, and assorted Wikki Stix.
After reading, Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss, print one copy of the Wikki Stix Making Beginning Letters file (linked above) for each of your students. Have the children use the Wikki Stix to make the beginning letters for each of the words in the file (see photo above.) The Wikki Stix can be cut with safety scissors to make the letters, if desired.
The use of rhyme in books by Dr. Seuss is second to none! Reading any of the Dr. Seuss books your children love will open opportunities for hands-on play with Wikki Stix and Rhyming Words!
WIKKI STIX and RHYMING WORDS – Wikki Stix Sounds Like Rhymes
Materials needed: One Wikki Stix Sounds Like Rhymes printable for each student and assorted Wikki Stix.
Print the file (linked above) for each of your children. Have the children use the Wikki Stix to make an X over each of the rhyming pictures on the pages (see photo above.)
Wikki Stix Created “Green Eggs” for Fine Motor Practice and Dramatic Play!
Materials needed: White and Green Wikki Stix.
Demonstrate for the children how to make a spiral from the Wikki Stix. Begin at one end and wrap the Wikki Stix around itself to form a spiral. Have the children use 3 white Wikki Stix to make the “white” of the egg and one green spiral to make the “green yolk.”
Once the children have created their green eggs, put all of the eggs in a basket and let the children serve each other by making a restaurant or breakfast center for dramatic play!
If you just try them, you might like them…you will!
About NEA’s Read Across America
The National Education Association is building a nation of readers through its signature program, NEA’s Read Across America. Now in its 16th year, this year-round program focuses on motivating children and teens to read through events, partnerships, and reading resources.
About Wikki Stix
Wikki Stix has been entertaining parents, teachers and children for more than twenty years! Wikki Stix One-of-a-Kind Creatables are the award winning original waxed yarn creativity toy. Wikki Stix are Made in the USA. Follow on Twitter and Facebook for periodic discount codes.
We’d also like to thank Shara of Early Childhood News and Resources for collaborating on this post. Please check out her website for valuable information for parents and families with young children!