Happy Birthday, Cat!

Cat in the Hat turns 50 this year! Preschoolers, their parents, and grandparents have learned from this comical adventure character through the years. Celebrate the landmark birthday of this popular character with books, games, and pretend play.

Read The Cat in the Hat

The books of Dr. Seuss are full of fun and repetition. Why are these classics especially good for preschoolers?

1. If it is not fun, preschoolers will soon loose interest.
   
2. Repetition provides the predictability needed for early learning. 

Make a Cat in the Hat Pattern

1. Look at the red and white alternating pattern on The Cat’s hat.
   
2. Practice saying the colors in sequence (red – white – red – white). Identifying patterns is an important part of prereading.
   
3. Cut red and white strips of construction paper. Preschoolers can do this with preschool scissors. (Parents draw heavy lines on the paper using a ruler and black marker first.) Don’t worry if the cutting is not perfect. This is wonderful fine motor experience for your preschooler.
   
4. Arrange the strips in a pattern.
   
5. Glue the strips on a heavy sheet of paper, or save them to use again and again.
   
6. Have fun with stripe patterns using other colors. (With the preschool age group, it is a good idea to only use two colors at once.)
   

Have a Cat in the Hat Birthday Party

Everyone loves a party. Why not have a birthday party for this famous cat? Many commercial products are in the stores right now because of The Cat’s birthday. Preschoolers also enjoy making their own party decorations and snacks. Creativity is the goal here.

Make a Cat in the Hat Snack

1. Sugar cookies or cupcakes with chocolate frosting are the base for this treat.
   
2. A little bit of marshmallow crème with accent the white part of his face.
   
3. Add features with chocolate kisses (ears), jelly beans (eyes and nose), licorice (whiskers).

Draw the Cat in the Hat

Gather paper and chunky crayons or markers. Start with a circle for the head. Add triangle ears. Next add facial features of mouth, nose, eyes, and whickers. Last give The Cat his signature striped hat.

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