This Cat in the Hat toilet paper roll craft is a cute and frugal way to enjoy easy Dr. Seuss fun with kids.
Using only a few supplies (that you probably have in your home or classroom), your children will be able to make their very one hats (like the one worn by The Cat). It’s a cool project to pair with reading this classic book, watching the movie, using as a party favor, and more.
I’ve got some ideas and tips to help you make the most of this experience with Dr. Seuss crafts plus a simple tutorial. Let’s have some creative fun with The Cat in the Hat!
Frugal Fun with The Cat in the Hat
Do you need an affordable activity to pair with The Cat in the Hat book by Dr. Seuss? Are you preparing for a special Dr. Seuss Day celebration (or Read Across America Week) and need some easy-to-make crafts? Perhaps you’re planning a Dr. Seuss or Cat in the Hat party and want both DIY decor and activities?
Well, this Cat in the Hat toilet paper roll craft is an outstanding choice for all of those things!
Dr. Seuss and his collection of books have been delightful additions to our homeschool adventures. I enjoyed these stories when I was a child and looked forward to sharing with my children. I started reading these books to my oldest when he was little and kept that tradition going with all four of his younger brothers.
When each of my boys showed signs of wanting to learn how to read, one of the first books that I used was The Cat in the Hat. And with good reason! This early reader book has basic words that children first learn when reading.
My boys enjoyed both the rhymes and the silly situations that The Cat in the Hat got Sally and her brother into. This classic book captured their interest and kept them engaged.
To extend all of that learning fun, I found that it was helpful to have hands-on activities to pair with their reading. This Cat in the Hat toilet paper roll craft was one of their top picks!
Materials You’ll Want for This Dr. Seuss Craft
I love how this craft involves recycling toilet paper rolls! It makes it eco-friendly and frugal.
You only need a few supplies for this easy The Cat in the Hat craft. Working with a group of children? Make sure to have plenty of materials!
I recommend having these supplies gathered so you’ll be all set for crafting with kids:
- Toilet Paper Roll
- White Cardboard (or paint regular cardboard white)
- White Paint
- Red Construction Paper
- Scissors
- Glue
Neworkg 30 Pack Craft Roll – Cardboard Tubes for DIY Crafts,3.9 inches TallPack of 48 Cardboard Craft Toilet Paper Tube Rolls, 9.9 cm LengthColorations Construction Paper for Kids – 7 Bright Colors – 600 Bulk Sheets of 9Elmer’s Color ‘n Glitz Glue Sticks, Washable, Assorted Colors, Includes Disappearing Purple Glue Sticks, 6 Grams, 12 PackElmer’s Disappearing Purple School Glue Sticks, Washable, 6 Grams, 12 CountWestcott 13168 Right- and Left-Handed Scissors, Kids’ Scissors, Ages 4-8, 5-Inch Blunt Tip, Assorted, 2 Count (Pack of 1)
How to Make This Cat in the Hat Craft
01
Prepare toilet paper roll
Paint the toilet paper roll white. Allow time to dry.
02
Prepare hat base
Trace around a drinking glass slightly larger than the toilet paper roll on the cardboard. Cut out the circle. If the cardboard isn’t already white, paint this as well.
03
Make 3 red strips of paper
While the paint is drying, cut three strips from the red construction paper approximately 1 inch wide.
Also, trace around the tube on red paper. Cut out the circle for the top of the hat.
04
Glue pieces together
Wrap each strip around the tube and glue it in place to make the stripes. Start flush with one end of the tube. Leave space between each stripe.
Glue the red circle on the red end and the toilet paper roll to the cardboard circle on the white end.
Ideas for Using These Dr. Seuss Crafts
Needs some tips and ideas for making and using these crafts with kids? I encourage you to think outside the box! These projects are delightful for storytime props, party decor, creative play, and even rainy day fun (which is much better to do than what Sally and her brother got up to!).
Before starting your craft time, chat with your students about this Cat in the Hat craft. Talk about the colors and pattern. Look at pictures from book for inspiration.
These DIY Dr. Seuss crafts are delightful for:
- Storytime fun
- Creative play
- Dr. Seuss birthday celebration
- Letter “Cc” or “Hh” crafts
- Dr. Seuss or The Cat in the Hat-inspired party
Oh and a fun idea is to make a few extra hats. You can hide these crafts around a room and let your kids find for brain breaks and get-up-and-move fun.
Boost Your Storytime and Celebration!
Hurray! I’m doing a happy dance that you’re interested in taking your storytime and celebration to the next level with these simple and frugal crafts featuring The Cat in the Hat. One last idea…add your child’s name and date to their hat so you can enjoy looking back on it as a keepsake (I know I have!).
I truly wish you and your kids a super fun time making these crafts featuring The Cat! What ideas do you have for making and using these crafts? Tell me all about them – please share in the comments area at the bottom of this post.
