Pan, the Piper, and Politics - Inklings:Generations (Teen Book Club)
In this one-time club, learners will explore the connections between the myth of Pan, the story of the Pied Piper, and modern political behavior.
What's included
1 live meeting
1 in-class hoursClass Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
In this book club we will read and discuss "The Pied Piper of Hamelin" by Robert Browning. A link to a free copy of the poem through Poetry Foundation can be found under "External Resources" below. After a brief check-in period, the club schedule will be as follows. Who was Pan? (10 minutes) Read-aloud the poem (10 minutes) What does the Piper have to do with Pan? (10 minutes) How does the Piper appear in modern political struggles? (20 minutes) Share creative expressions of understanding (eg. sketches or drawings). (5-10 minutes) Students will be allowed to perform relevant creative activities or fidget/stim as needed in order to engage with the material and with others. Any creation made during the club may be shared during the last few minutes of the session if desired. Learners who are uncomfortable speaking on camera will have the option to use the chat function. I do not assign letter or number grades to engagement in this club. If parents need to assign a grade for a transcript I will be happy to provide information on topics covered and learner participation at the end of the club.
Other Details
Learning Needs
My clubs are designed to work for neurodiverse learners. Participation strategies will include learner-led creative efforts, the option to text rather than speak aloud, allowing fidgeting or stimming, and flexible camera use.
Parental Guidance
Content warning: child abduction
Political discussions may touch on sensitive topics; any bullying or heated argument will lead to participants being muted temporarily. Repeat offenses will result in removal to a waiting room.
Supply List
Students should follow along with the reading using www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/45818/the-pied-piper-of-hamelin.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
I have used mythologysource.com as a source for information about Pan. Students will not be required to visit the site and all information presented will be age appropriate.
Joined February, 2025
Teacher expertise and credentials
The Pied Piper with his haunting melodies and tragic message has long been one of my favorite stories. I am a homeschool mom of five with a teaching degree in English education and almost thirty years of working with children in various private capacities such as book clubs and co-op classes.Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$15
per classMeets once
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-17
3-10 learners per class
