Green Eggs and Ham

Most children have had the honor of reading some form of a Dr. Seuss story by the time they reach elementary school. Of all of the Dr. Seuss creations the book Green Eggs and Ham is one of my personal favorites. This particular book deals with a boy named Sam-I-Am and the key note character in many Dr. Seuss books, The-Cat-In-The-Hat. In a rhythmical fashion, Sam-I-Am asks The-Cat-In-The-Hat if he likes green eggs and ham. He doesn't simply ask the question once, instead he asks over and over again if he would like them in different contexts. "Would you like them in a house? Would you like them with a mouse." After each question, The-Cat-In-The-Hat responds with a rhyme. "I do not like them in a house. I do not like them with a mouse. I do not like them here or there. I do not like them anywhere. I do not like green eggs and ham. I do not like them, Sam-I-Am." At the end of the story The-Cat-In-The-Hat finally agrees to try green eggs and ham if Sam-I-Am promises to leave him alone. To his surprise, The-Cat-In-The-Hat actually likes green eggs and ham and he proceeds to tell a rhyme about his new findings and thanks Sam-I-Am. "I do like green eggs and ham! Thank you! Thank you! Sam-I-Am!"

This story by Dr. Seuss is a great resource to use in the classroom. It would be ideal for a kindergarten class especially since it is part of the "I Can Read It All By Myself, Beginner Books" series. Green Eggs and Ham is not only interesting and silly to those who read it but, it also is a excellent source when teaching students to read. The repetition and rhythm used in the story helps students to use a pattern when trying to grasp new words. This book also can teach students to try new things, and to thank those for introducing them to new things. Despite its silly nature, this book actually can be a great learning aid for students if interpreted correctly. Not only is Green Eggs and Ham educational for reading and life lessons but, it can also be used in different creative and exploratory activities in the classroom. Green Eggs and Ham is a book that I hope to use in my classroom at some point.