This can bring up discussions about social expectations, which are in the fourth question set. These two Things make even more of a mess than the Cat did, and time is running out because the children spot their mother in the distance. He brings in two friends, Thing One and Thing Two. The Cat, acknowledging that his poor balance thwarted his last attempt to entertain, tries another way to amuse the children. Should we laugh when people do wrong things to entertain us? Taking this approach can let the kids build off their previous experiences and help them decide how they want to act when approached with ‘wrong’ behavior. However, some of the things he does are dangerous and may not be acceptable for us to support. The Cat makes decisions that are very careless, presumably to amuse the children and himself. Since children are often taught not to make a mess, it will offer them an opportunity to find their own reasons for why people keep telling them to be tidy, and what their responsibilities might be to themselves and others.Īnother point of discussion that arises after the Cat drops what he was holding is what to do when someone does something wrong. These questions ask who has responsibilities and why they might have them. As you talk with the kids about this section of the book, you can draw on the second question set. The story continues as the Cat falls while trying to balance too many things and drops everything that he was holding. They’ll be able to further develop why they have their opinions, not just what the right action is in a strange situation. It will be a concept that the kids will have been drilled about quite frequently, but hopefully, the book will offer them a new vantage point. You can discuss what trust is and who you can trust. Their mother is out, and when the Cat comes in, he reassures the kids that their mother won’t mind him or his tricks! This can offer an opportunity to talk about the first question set. The Cat in the Hat is a book where an eccentric stranger (who’s a cat!) visits two children, Sally and Sam, who are home alone and having a very dull day. Read aloud video by AHEV Library Guidelines for Philosophical Discussion The story ends with the question, “What would YOU do if your mother asked YOU?”

Before the Cat leaves, he cleans up his mess, and when Sam and Sally’s mother returns home, nothing is amiss. He comes in, assures them their mom won’t mind his toys and tricks, and makes a very big mess. Suddenly, they’re graced with a surprise visit from a stranger, the Cat. Two children, Sally and Sam, are home alone and having a very dreary day. Seuss story can open up discussions about trust, responsibility, social expectations, and honesty.

Questions for Philosophical Discussion » Summary This classic Dr.

The cat in the hat is back