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Folklore Lesson Plan - Pied Piper of Hamelin

© Virginia Marin

For you classroom teachers and homeschooler moms who are in planning throes, here is a folklore lesson plan for The Pied Piper of Hamelin that is sure to start your year off with interest. I have used this successfully with sixth and seventh graders, and even my third graders enjoyed it. It was a unit that really grabbed their attention. The third graders did particularly well with the learning center approach. They put their heart and hands into construction and making costumes for the grand finale.

TITLE: The Pied Piper of Hamelin

ALTERNATE TITLE: The Childrens' Crusade

Grade Level: 6-8 (increase or decrease in difficulty)

Preparation: Obtain your choice of any research books from the library and do pre-reading. Review Internet URLs and make a list of usable ones. Make supply list from the objectives/activities. If using learning centers, set up on a weekend before the unit begins. Use lots of interest grabbers - such as picture files, and posters. Discuss the upcoming unit with children to access where they are. Prepare task cards to meet individual needs, and for what you expect them to learn.

Overview: In 1212 a badly planned crusade for children was a wash-out. Only a handful of the children survived the trek over the mountains, and the sea voyage home. From this historical event, the literary masterpiece The Pied Piper of Hamelin originated.

Purpose: This unit was originally conceived to allow each student to look at one historical event, The Children's Crusade, in detail, and from a different perspective - that of literature. It is also intended to be an interdisciplinary study to help students learn or to increase research, writing, and application skills in all areas. It is an ideal way in which to get children interested in the folktales, fairy tales and mythology genre. Lastly, it affords an excellent way to teach "stranger danger."

Behavioral Objectives/Activities:

1. Will read and discuss at least two printed versions ofThe Pied Piper of Hamelin.

2. Will read and discuss one or two selected writings on the Childrens' Crusade of 1212.

3. Using dictionary, will locate and write the definition of personify and personification. Will show understanding of words by verbally stating the meanings.

4. Will locate three books in library using card catalogue or computer.

5. Write one research paper on the Childrens' Crusade.

6. Make a list of at least ten new vocabulary words. Write a sentences using each word. Utilize encyclopedia, dictionary and thesaurus.

7. Using paper mache - make mice, the piper, or children.

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