How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (1957), by Dr. Seuss, is a beloved children’s book that tells the story of the Grinch, a creature who attempts to stop Christmas from coming.

These questions aim to engage elementary school students in discussions about the themes of kindness, generosity, and the meaning of Christmas cheer in our lives. They encourage reflection, creativity, and exploration of the heartwarming story.

General Questions

  • Who is the main character in How the Grinch Stole Christmas!?
  • What is your favorite scene in the book? Can you draw a picture of that scene?
  • What do you think the Grinch looks like? Can you draw a picture of him?
  • Can you imagine what the Grinch’s house looks like?
  • Can you create a short poem about the Grinch?

Rhyming Words

  • Dr. Seuss uses a lot of rhyming words in the book. Can you find some examples?
  • Can you think of other words that rhyme with ‘Grinch’ or ‘Christmas’?

The Whos in Whoville

  • How do the Whos in Whoville celebrate Christmas?
  • Can you describe how you celebrate holidays with your family?
  • Can you draw a picture of a time when you felt really happy?

The Grinch’s Heart

  • What does the Grinch feel about Christmas at the beginning of the story?
  • How does the Grinch’s heart change throughout the story?
  • Can you think of a time when you felt your heart grow with happiness?
  • What caused the Grinch to change his mind about Christmas?
  • How does the Grinch feel about Christmas at the end of the story?

Max the Dog

  • How does Max, the Grinch’s dog, contribute to the story?
  • Can you write a short story about a helpful animal?
  • If you had a (new) pet, what would they be and what would you name them?

The Grinch’s Plan

  • What is the Grinch’s plan to stop Christmas from coming?
  • Can you think of a better way the Grinch could have spent his time?
  • How do the Whos in Whoville react when their gifts are stolen?

The Meaning of Christmas

  • What do you think the author wants us to understand about Christmas?
  • What are some of the Christmas traditions mentioned in the book?
  • What are your favorite Christmas or winter holiday traditions?
  • Can you think of a time when you gave or received a special gift?

Lessons from the Story

  • What lessons do you think we can learn from this story?
  • Can you think of a time when you learned a lesson about kindness?