The use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

Dear teachers,

thank you for taking the time to participate in this questionnaire. I am currently writing a diploma thesis on the use of Dr. Seuss’s books in English language teaching, with a focus on their impact on language acquisition in young non-native learners.

The purpose of this questionnaire is to gather insights from practicing English teachers on how these books are used in the classroom, what benefits or challenges you may have encountered, and your overall perception of their educational value.

Your responses will contribute valuable data to support the practical and theoretical parts of my research.

This questionnaire is anonymous, and your honest answers are greatly appreciated. It will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

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The Use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

How many years have you been teaching English?

Choose one answer

0-2 years

3-5 years

6-10 years

10+ years

What age group do you primarily teach?

Choose one answer

Preschool

1st and 2nd grade

3rd - 5th grade

Older pupils

Mixed groups

What kind of school do you work in?

Choose one answer

State school

Private School

Language school

Other (please elaborate)

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The Use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

USE OF DR. SEUSS BOOKS IN THE CLASSROOM

How do you feel about Dr. Seuss’s books?

Do you find these books to be an inspiration and a useful tool for learning English?

Which Dr. Seuss books have you used in your classes?

Choose one answer or more answers

Most well-known books (The Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Horton Hears a Who, The Lorax).

Mostly beginner-friendly books with simple vocabulary and repetitive patterns.

I use different ones depending on the topic – e.g., “The Lorax” for environmental education.

Other (please elaborate)

How often do you use Dr. Seuss books in your teaching practice?

Choose one answer

Very frequently (e.g. monthly)

Regularly (e.g., once per term)

Occasionally (e.g., once or twice a year)

In what contexts or types of lessons do you typically use these books?

Choose one answer or more answers

Themed projects

Reading comprehension

Pronunciation practice (practicing /s/, /th/, /r/ sounds through repetition and rhyme)

CLIL topics (e.g., "The Lorax" - the Earth day)

Storytime with follow-up activities

Drama

Other (please elaborate)

What materials or activities do you typically use alongside the books?

Choose one answer or more answers

None

Songs

Worksheets

Games

Crafts

Roleplay

Flashcards

Other (please elaborate)

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The Use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

PERCEIVED BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES

What language learning outcomes have you observed when using Dr. Seuss’s books?

Choose one answer or more answers

Learners remember rhyming words more easily.

Improved pronunciation and rhythm in speaking activities.

Increased motivation — they look forward to Dr. Seuss days

Better listening comprehension through repeated structures.

Some learners start experimenting with rhyme on their own.

Other (please elaborate)

What do you find most beneficial about using Dr. Seuss’s books in ELT?

Choose one answer or more answers

Their use of rhythm and repetition supports early language development.

The illustrations and humour keep children engaged.

They offer a playful, non-threatening way to explore new vocabulary.

The texts promote imagination and creativity.

They offer natural exposure to connected speech, intonation, and rhyme.

Other (please elaborate)

What challenges or limitations have you experienced with these books in your teaching?

Choose one answer or more answers

Some words and cultural references are too advanced for my learners.

The invented vocabulary and nonsensical phrases can be confusing.

The pace of the stories can be too fast for some classes.

There are no ready-made Czech teaching resources, so prep takes time.

Not all students “get” the humour, especially at lower levels.

Other (please elaborate)

Is there anything you adapt when using the books with your learners?

Choose one answer or more answers

I simplify vocabulary and pre-teach key words before reading.

I often pause and explain or translate short sections.

I skip pages or sections in longer books for time and comprehension reasons.

I create shorter summary versions for beginner learners.

Other (please elaborate)

To what extent do you agree with the following statement?

“Dr. Seuss’s books support the development of English language skills in young learners.”

Strongly agree

Agree

Disagree

Strongly disagree

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The Use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

AVAILABILITY AND FUTURE USE

How many Dr. Seuss books are available at your school?

Choose one answer

None

1-2

3-5

More than 5

I'm not sure

Do you believe Dr. Seuss’s books are beneficial for English language teaching?

Choose one answer

Yes, definitely

Yes, but only for certain levels or contexts

Not really

I'm not sure

Would you like to use Dr. Seuss’s books more often in the future? Why or why not?

Choose one answer or more answers

Yes, I’d love to — they’re effective and students enjoy them.

Yes, but I need more time to plan meaningful activities around them.

Yes, but I would like more resources or a structured program to follow.

Maybe — I like them, but they aren’t suitable for every topic.

No, I prefer books with more straightforward language for beginners.

Other (please elaborate)

What kind of support or resources would make it easier for you to integrate Dr. Seuss’s books into your teaching?

Choose one answer or more answers

Ready-made worksheets and lesson plans adapted for ESL learners.

Videos or audio recordings with slower pacing for beginners.

Bilingual versions or glossaries of key vocabulary.

Suggestions for differentiated activities based on language level.

Training or workshops on using stories in class effectively.

Other (please elaborate)

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with Dr. Seuss’s books in ELT?

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The Use of Dr. Seuss books in ELT

Your responses will help shed light on how creative, playful literature can support language development in young learners. If you have any questions or would like to learn more about the project, feel free to contact me.

Wishing you all the best in your teaching practice!

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