10 Lessons for Education from Dr. Seuss (Steve Guditus)


A big happy birthday to Dr. Seuss, Theodor Seuss Geisel.  Dr. Seuss was an inspiration to many, and on his birthday, I thought it would be fitting to reflect upon lessons we can learn from Dr. Seuss' books*.  In so many ways, he was insightful and ahead of his time; his simple messages permeate education still today.  Ten lessons for education from Dr. Seuss' books:

  1. Schools should help students take ownership and responsibility of their learning process, to help them become lifelong learners and discover their own passions. (You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose. You're on your own. And you know what you know. And YOU are the one who'll decide where to go... Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
  2. Students must find their own voice and their own identity.  Embracing the growth of the whole child is essential to success in our world today.  (Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You. Happy Birthday to You!)
  3. Education is the path to open many doors.  (The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. I Can Read With My Eyes Shut!)
  4. As educators, we educate all children, no matter what they bring to the table; it is important to meet kids where they are at!  (A person's a person, no matter how small. Horton Hears a Who!)
  5. Every student deserves to have at least one adult their school who serves as their advocate and go-to person.  Every student should have a cheerleader - you can be that person.  (Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better.  It's not. The Lorax)
  6. Amazing things are all around us; sometimes it is a matter of perspective and taking the time to reflect upon our strengths and weaknesses. (From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere! One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish)
  7. As educators, we are charged with one of the most important tasks in the world: to help students realize their potential, meet their potential, and expand their potential. (You're off to Great Places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting, so... get on your way! Oh, the Places You'll Go!)
  8. Schools need to encourage students to think outside of the box and to make new meaning. (ASAP. Whatever that means. It must mean, 'Act swiftly awesome pacyderm!' Horton Hears a Who!)
  9. Empower students to have a voice and participate actively in their education.  (I know, up on top you are seeing great sights, but down here at the bottom we, too, should have rights. Yertle the Turtle) 
  10. Sustain high standards for all students.  (It's not about what it is, it's about what it can become. The Lorax)
*These quotes were collected from Good Reads' list of Dr. Seuss' most popular quotes.

Image Credit: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dr._Seuss

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