One of the most loved North American Christmas stories of all time is the story How the Grinch Stole Christmas.
Although Dr. Seuss, a well-known children’s writer, originally wrote the story for children, it has messages for young and old.
The story and the animated video ,now shown on television every year at Christmas time, continues to delight millions of of people whether they are watching it for the first time, or the 30th time.
Now that we have officially entered the Christmas season, this is a wonderful opportunity for you to watch an important piece of North American culture.
It doesn’t matter if you live in Australia, Europe, Asia or the Middle East, you will still enjoy learning a little about a series of Christmas messages that apply to every culture or religion.
If you plan to live in North America, or if you already live here, it is even more important that you know about this story by Dr. Seuss. If you can mention any aspect of the How the Grinch Stole Christmas, or of Who ville in casual conversation, people will think you are a true American or Canada, and really “get us."
This is also a way you can get your children involved.
Activity 1#
Pre-listening:
Read and go through the following power point on your own, or with your children
Power Point Explaining the Basic Story and characters in the Grinch Who Stole Christmas
Listening:
Watch the video as many times as you need to know and answer the comprehension questions below.
1. Listen to the song without looking at the gap fill. Try to write down all the negative
words that describe Mr. Grinch, for exdample: ”mean“ .
2. Listen as many times as you need and fill in the gaps.
3. Sing-along . This is a great song to practice enunciating. Make sure you open your
mouth as wide as you can in order to let your tongue get to the right place. Sing as
slowly as the singer.
How the Grinch Stole Christmas
Discussion and Writing Questions
1. Why do you think the Grinch hated Christmas so much?
2. What role does Cindy Lou play in the story. What does she do to change the Grinch?
3. Why do you think the Who’s reacted the way they did when they found out that all
their things had been stolen?
4. Do you know anyone who is like the Grinch? What might some be some reasons
why that person acts that way?
5. What did the people of Whoville learn from the Grinch’s behaviour in the story?
6. If you were the Grinch’s defense attorney, what kind of arguments could you make in
his favour?
7. What is the message of the story? Is there more than one message? Explain.
8. If you had to spend an afternoon with Grinch for the afternoon what would you do to
get the Grinch in the holiday spirit?
9. If you could give the Grinch one gift, what would it be?
10. List some differences between the Grinch and Cindy’s Lou’s personalities. Give examples.
11. The Grinch has a serious character flaw. He experiences a crisis and then changes for the better. Describe the Grinch’s character flaw at the beginning of the story. What crisis changes him? How does he change?
12. Dr. Seuss wrote How the Grinch Stole Christmas to point out how the media and marketing have created a holiday focused on spending money to buy things.
Discuss how has the media changed holidays such as Christmas, New Years,
Chinese New Year, Valentine’s Day, Mother;s Day etc. and how they are celebrated.
13. Would you write a different ending to the story? Explain why or why not. If yes, how would you end it?
14. Do you know anyone who had some bad personality characteristics, but who became a better person after something happened to him or her. This could be you, or anyone you know. Tell what happened, and why this person changed.
Readers Theatre How the Grinch Stole Christmas
This is an easier version of the story written like a small play. It is perfect for students to use as a play in the classroom. The roles are broken down so that everyone can have one , two or even three parts.
- Assign roles to different students and have the practice in groups. ( If you have a large class, you could divide them into two or three groups)
- Start with having them read their lines normally, but fluently, without hesitating or stumbling.
- Go over the pronunciation of different words.
- Now, have the students put the maximum amount of expression in their voice. Practice as often as they need.
- Have them memorize their lines and be able to repeat them in the correct order.
- Perform the mini play in class
Although it t emphasizes the need for hope and love, it still reminds us that the Christmas season can bring anxiety and a feeling of being alone and unloved for many people
