Horton Hears a Who!

"A person's a person, no matter how small."


This classic book by Dr. Seuss has now been adapted into an animated feature film (release date March 14, 2008). Whether you watch the movie or read the book, this unit will help you turn it into a fun learning experience for your children.

Vocabulary/Spelling


Poetry

Animals

Visit these pages to learn about animals featured in the book. Write a report, color a picture, use your imagination!

Hearing and Sound

Math/Graphing

Cooking

Make some yummy Elephant Ears! These are similar to funnel cakes which are sold at fairs and other events, but they are flattened circles rather than a batter poured from a funnel. Some also call them "fried dough". Whatever you choose to call them, they are sure to be a tasty treat!

The 'authentic' version

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon salt
2 tablespoons white sugar
3/8 cup shortening
2 tablespoons active dry yeast
4 cups all-purpose flour
1 quart oil for frying
3 tablespoons ground cinnamon
6 tablespoons white sugar

DIRECTIONS

  1. In small saucepan over medium heat, combine milk, salt, 2 tablespoons sugar and shortening. Heat until shortening melts and sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and let cool to lukewarm, 110 degrees F (43 degrees C). Sprinkle in yeast and let sit until foamy.
  2. Transfer mixture to large bowl, and stir in flour to make a dough. Knead until smooth, cover and let rise 30 minutes.
  3. In a large heavy skillet or deep fryer, heat 1 inch of oil to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  4. Roll out 1 to 2 inch balls of dough into thin sheets. Fry sheets 1 to 2 minutes on a side, until puffed and golden. Drain on paper towels.
  5. Combine cinnamon and 6 tablespoons sugar. Sprinkle over warm pastries. Serve.

The 'quick and easy' version

INGREDIENTS

1 1/2 cups sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
oil for frying
10 (7 inch) flour tortillas

DIRECTIONS

  1. Combine sugar and cinnamon in a shallow bowl or large plate; set aside.
  2. In a skillet, heat 1/2 inch of oil.
  3. Place one tortilla at a time in skillet. Cook for 5 seconds; turn and cook 10 seconds longer or until browned.
  4. Place in sugar mixture and turn to coat. Serve immediately.

Recipes courtesy of www.allrecipes.com

Life Skills

What kind of knots do you think would have been used to tie up Horton? Try out some different knot tying techniques and see which ones might have been effective on an elephant.
Animated Knots

Lapbook It!

It's easy to lapbook a unit study! See my Lapbook Page for ideas on making your own "Horton Hears a Who!" lapbook.