Dr. Seuss is a favorite author for young children. Early childhood educators have long used his magnificent stories and works of art to inspire creativity in students. This lesson plan focuses on a Cat in the Hat theme art activity that can be created by children in any preschool or daycare setting.
Cat in the Hat Art Activity Lesson Objectives
- Explore art materials and process.
- Increase literacy skills (this includes letter and sound recognition).
- Improve sequencing skills.
- Develop fine motor abilities.
- Express self creatively.
- Discover basic art and design concepts such as color, shape, pattern, and texture.
- Learn about basic math concepts such as shape and part to whole relationship.
Age/ Grade Level
This art activity can be used with children ages four an up. Try adapting it to fit the developmental needs of the particular age group.
Materials Needed for this Dr. Seuss Themed Art Activity
- Construction paper
- Scissors
- Glue or glue sticks
- Tissue paper
- Crayons or markers
- Optional: pom poms
Steps to Create the Cat Collage
Pre-activity
- Introduce the book The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss [Random House, 1957]. Explain to the class who Dr. Seuss was, and what a writer and illustrator do.
- Read the book interactively with the children.
- Discuss the cat, and what he looks like.
- Ask the class to find shapes and colors in the illustrations.
Process Steps
- Ask the children to cut out simple shapes such as circles, triangles, or rectangles from construction paper. These will be used to create the cat face and hat. Make sure that each child has one large circle and two small triangles (for the face and ears). If the children are unable to do this, adult assistance may be offered.
- Have the children collage (glue the paper) the cat onto a plain piece of construction paper. Explain that this is similar to putting together a puzzle. The shapes can be arranged first, and then glued second.
- Invite the children to create a hat for the cat. Choose to design a red and white striped hat like in the book, or allow each child to imagine his or her own unique hat. Use tissue paper and construction paper to make the hats.
- Add a face with paper and markers, or use pom poms for an added effect.
- Set aside to dry.
Preschool Cat in the Hat Collage Wrap Up
After the cat collages have dried, discuss the art making process with the class. Ask questions such as:
- What is collage?
- What was the most fun about this project?
- What colors were used?
- What shapes made up the cat face?
Try holding an art show and share with the students. Talk about how each cat looks similar and different. If the children made different types of hats, encourage them to discuss what was made and why.
Early Childhood Enrichment Activities
- Community Helpers Theme: Use this collage cat art activity for other themes such as community helpers. Ask the children to design hats for fire fighters, police officers, and more.
- Math: Extend this project into the math curriculum. Discuss shapes, geometry, and the part to whole relationship.
- Literacy Activities: This activity is connected to the book The Cat in the Hat by Dr. Seuss. Try other art activities based on Dr. Seuss characters or other favorite children’s books.
Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in the Hat is a beloved children’s book. Use this fun and exciting story to inspire the preschool aged child’s artistic side. Simple shapes and vibrant colors can be turned into creative works of classroom art!
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