Peter Pan in the schoolroom : Communicating norms and values through the caracter of Peter Pan

Abstract

This study investigates the extent to which a story written 100 years ago, full of moral, patriotic, heroic and freedom-influences messages, can be used as a teaching instrument to convey the norms and values needed for active participation in society. Two versions of the classic tale of Peter Pan, an illustrated chapter book Peter Pan and Wendy (2013) and a picture book Peter Pan (2014), were analysed with the focus on the character of Peter Pan. The results show that both books can be used very well as teaching aids because Peter Pan is a complex and multifaceted character. The analysis reveals his positive and negative qualities, which can be discussed in the teaching as a way to communicate norms and values. The study shows useful examples of what this work can look like