Teaching a preschooler what it means to be an author and illustrator is an important part of a literature curriculum. Use "Hop in Pop" to begin an author study of Dr. Seuss. Discuss what it means to write and illustrate a story. Introduce the child to a variety of books written by Dr. Seuss. In addition, discuss basic facts about the author such as his his real name (Ted) and what it means to have a pen name. Ask the child to create his own pen name for future writing projects.
The story is written using simple rhyming words, which is why the book lends itself to use with a preschooler. It is easier for children to identify words that are unfamiliar to them if they know the words rhyme with one another. Create flashcards with the words from the story. On one side, write one word. such as "mouse," and on the other side, write the corresponding rhyming word from the story, "house." Have the child practice reading each side of the card and then progress to guessing the matching rhyming word on the opposite side.
In the book, there are a few pages about a pup in a cup. Use this as the basis for a counting activity. Provide the child with a variety of pre-made paper cups and dogs. Ask her to glue the pups on the cups and then practice counting them. Encourage the child to "quiz" her friends by setting out different numbers of pups in cups for other kids to count.
The color red plays a role both in the story and illustrations in "Hop in Pop." Use this as the basis for an art activity about the color red. Have the preschooler create a collage with all of the red items he can think of. Allow the child to draw his own pictures to include on the collage, but also provide him with a variety of magazines to use for additional pictures. Be sure to give the child safety scissors if you plan to let him cut the pictures out alone.