Dick and Sally are not as gullible as they were in the original story. By being persistent in dealing with the Cat, everything turns out all right for the children in the end.
Children need to learn that with a little persistence they can overcome adversity in their own lives. Have them come up with something that is difficult for them to do, such as a math problem or reading passage. Show how they can overcome these small adversities by working with them and practicing. With this ground work, they will be able to deal with larger adversities in the future.
Although the Cat is not sinister or intentionally malicious, you can use his behavior as a teaching tool for children. They need to be shown in a nonfrightening way that they cannot trust just anyone who approaches them.
As an activity, and using the book, have the children take the roles of the characters in the book and read it aloud. When finished, ask questions like, "How would it make you feel if someone like the Cat approached you and came into your house when your parents were away?" It will teach them the purpose of being aware.
The Cat is a mischievous character, and he makes every attempt to draw Dick and Sally into his troublemaking adventures. This is a teaching tool that can show the consequences of following this behavior and the rewards of choosing to take the right path.
Have children make a list of mischievous things they have done and the punishments they received. Do the same with good behavior. In having them look at and talk about comparisons, you can show them the payoff of staying away from mischievous behavior.
Practice the alphabet with a balloon game inspired by "The Cat in the Hat Comes Back". All you need are 26 balloons, a permanent marker, and at least four players. Inflate all the balloons with air, no helium, and write a letter of the alphabet on each.
Have the children form a circle. Toss "A" into the circle, shouting the letter, and have the children repeat it. Do the same with other letters until all the balloons are in play, then have the children recite the alphabet. The interactive nature of the game will keep the children's attention.