The Tao Of Pooh

Author Benjamin Hoff utilizes various analogical techniques in order to draw parallels between Taoism and Winnie-the-Pooh. To what extent are these techniques effective in conveying the main lessons of Taoism?  Critique the efficacy and justification of Hoff’s suggestions. Discuss specific dialogue sequences and metaphorical stories as examples in your analysis.

It may be helpful to review these key passages as you reflect on the text to answer the question.

• Parallels between Taoist leaders and current beliefs
• Character parallels: Owl, Rabbit, Pooh, Kanga, and Roo
• “Uncarved Block” analogy
• “Hirohito” analogy
• “Vinegar Tasters” analogy
• “Stonecutter” analogy
• “Chuang-tse” analogy

Teaching Suggestion: It may be beneficial to assign small groups or pairs of students 1-2 specific analogies to explore, allowing for more in-depth analysis; groups or pairs then can share with peers in larger jigsaw groups or during a whole-class Socratic seminar.

Differentiation Suggestion: English learners may benefit from the use of supplied vocabulary lists and summaries for the assigned analogies.

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Retelling with Winnie-the-Pooh”

In this activity, students will create their own Winnie-the-Pooh short stories utilizing the characters described in The Tao of Pooh in ways that demonstrate the main ideas of Taoism.