Here’s an exciting new idea for classroom learning.
For 100 years, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and all the other wonderful characters created by J.M. Barrie have delighted children and the young at heart, yet the philanthropic legacy of the story is relatively unknown.
In an effort to bring attention to James Barrie’s gift of the Peter Pan copyright to London’s Great Ormond Street Hospital, the Peter Pan Children’s Fund introduced “Get Hooked on Peter Pan” for elementary and middle school students. This unique education program offers meaningful learning activities using both language and expressive arts to create a unique celebration of the classic and promote awareness of the charitable legacy.
Get Hooked on Peter Pan is a comprehensive study of the Peter Pan story offered to teachers and parents that integrates curriculum areas and enhances character education. The program involves all standard subject areas including reading comprehension, creative writing, social studies, science, mathematics, creative and performing arts, character development, social and entrepreneurial skills.
Students are engaged in meaningful learning activities using both language and expressive arts to create a unique celebration of the story and promote awareness of the charitable legacy of Peter Pan. Projects are developed specific to the grade level of the students. Suggested teaching strategies support most state standards.
Individual class projects have the potential to evolve to a school-wide or district-wide initiative that includes a fundraising component to benefit a children’s hospital.
- In-depth study of the classic: Character study, author history, related literature
- Creative Writing: Fantasy/reality, heroes/villains, poetry
- Social Studies: Map studies, island investigations, role of women, cultural studies
- Science: Stars and constellations, dynamics of flight, a look at shadows
- Mathematics: Concept of 100, study of money, study of time
- Creative and Performing Arts: Dramatics, performance skills, puppetry, music
- Social Skills: Event planning, decorations, creative games, etiquette
- Character Development: Character traits, conflict resolution, philanthropy
- Entrepreneurial Skills: fundraising, publicity, budgets
To find out how you can introduce this to your students, contact us for more information, or view our educational brochure.
From Fairy Tale to Philanthropy
“All children, except one, grow up,’ says Sir James Barrie in 1904 in his magical play, “Peter Pan or The Boy Who Wouldn’t Grow Up.”
For 100 years, Peter Pan, Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and all the other wonderful characters created by J.M. Barrie have delighted children and the young at heart, yet the philanthropic legacy of the story is relatively unknown: before his death, he gave the Peter Pan story rights and royalties to the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children in London. With every performance or film or book published, GOSH is entitled to a royalty fee. Thanks to the enduring popularity of Peter, Wendy and Tinker Bell, Captain Hook and the ticking crocodile, this hospital continues to benefit from the Peter Pan endowment.