The Butter Battle Book Lesson Plan
Dr. Seuss injects humor into this serious tale of conflict, offering a great opportunity for a student discussion on valuing diversity.
- Grades: PreK–K, 1–2
About this book
Dr. Seuss injects humor into this serious tale of conflict. The Butter Battle Book is a powerful book to begin a discussion on valuing diversity. Students respond to the fact that the escalating conflict began over a silly difference of opinion.
Students will "describe the concepts of prejudice and discrimination." --Massachusetts Comprehensive Health Curriculum Framework
- The Butter Battle Book by Dr. Seuss
- chart paper
While reading the story, take note of the number of times the conflict escalates. After reading, have a discussion about what precipitated the conflict between the Zooks and the Yooks. What could have been done to diffuse the situation? Have students brainstorm constructive ways to solve the conflict, and write their responses on chart paper. Give students time to share their experiences with conflict, and how those conflicts could best be resolved.
Work with students to generate a list of differences they value in each other. With young students, have them work on verbally identifying special abilities and strengths of their peers. Examples: "I like the way you draw horses," or "I like playing soccer with you," (Note these compliments don't refer to material possessions.)