Grinch Didnt Steal Christmas
If you are a parent of a young child, chances are you are familiar with the book, animated video, or live action movie "How the Grinch Stole Christmas." Well, I'm thinking that Dr. Seuss may have misnamed this story. The Grinch didn't steal Christmas. He tried but was unsuccessful. Maybe in Dr. Seuss' wisdom he wanted to mislead the reader so that he could close with the real message. Let's consider what we can learn from the characters of Whoville in this Dr. Seuss' classic.
The question is: How did the Grinch not steal Christmas? How can you teach your child the heart of the story?
The answer is: The Grinch did not take away the core values of the Whos in Whoville. No one can take away the core value of who you are, but first you must know what your core values look like.
This is what you know:
- Christmas is filled with traditions.
- Material symbols are everywhere.
- Grinch hates Christmas.
- Grinch believes he can prevent Christmas from coming.
- Grinch removes all the outward indications of Christmas.
- Grinch misrepresents himself.
- Christmas is the acceptable time to give material things to others.
- Christmas is the time to receive from others.
- The Whos hold hands and sing carols.
- The Grinch's heart is two sizes too small.
How can you take the story of the Grinch and the Whos and recognize core values?
- You sit with your child who is watching the show once again, or read to them from the illustrated book.
- You pay attention to the details of Dr. Seuss' intent.
- You engage your child in a discussion.
What kind of questions can you ask your child? First, be amazed at your child's responses. Encourage your child to share their ideas with simple prompts first and extend the questioning one step further to help them grow.
- What does the Grinch do on Christmas Eve? Why does he do that?
- What kinds of feelings might the Grinch have?
- Could the Grinch be jealous? What would he be jealous of?
- Is the Grinch good or evil?
- What makes the Grinch's heart change?
- What do the Whos do Christmas morning?
- What happened just before the Grinch's heart grows 3 times its original size?
- What does Dr. Seuss mean when the Grinch realizes that "Christmas means a little bit more?"
- What is Christmas really about?
- What is the symbolism of a person's heart?
- What do the Whos value?
- What do you value?
- Does the Grinch steal Christmas? Why or why not?
- What might you do when you come upon a Grinch?
There are many other possible questions to initiate a conversation about the Grinch and the Whos. Consider this as an opportunity to learn the way in which your child thinks and how they see the world. While talking with your child, explore what they know about the word value. This is also an opportunity to share what you value. Another area for discussion can be focused on what happens when a group of people hold to their common values. When observing the Whos, what values concerning the Christmas season surface for you? How are you modeling your values to the most important people in your life?
To gain additional free suggestions and resources to strengthen the values of your children, visit KJ's Cottage owned by Kelly J. Eveleth. Kelly shares her expertise from the perspective of being a Life Coach and Professional Educator. http://www.kjscottage.com
Source: www.articletrader.com
