What famous children's author and illustrator created World War II political cartoons featuring such subjects as fascism, the war effort, discrimination, and the dangers of isolationism? The who in this story is Dr. Seuss, and what better way to learn to analyze political cartoons than to examine some of his work?

   

Concepts

fascism, isolationism, world war ii, political cartoons, dr. seuss

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Additional Tags

social studies

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Instructional Ideas

• Model the analysis process using one of Seuss's cartoons, and use a second as guided practice before asking groups to analyze one of the provided examples

Classroom Considerations

• The lesson assumes class members are familiar with the political climate during World War II

Pros

• The nine-page packet includes biographical information, an introduction to the devices cartoonists use to relay their message, four of Seuss's political cartoons, and a worksheet

Cons

• Some learners may need additional scaffolding, in the form of modeling, perhaps, to successfully analyze the provided cartoons

Common Core

RI.9-10.1 RI.11-12.1 RH.6-8.1 RH.9-10.1 RH.11-12.1