All about J.M. Barrie

J.M. Barrie was a man who created one of the most famous stories ever told, "Peter Pan." He was born in Scotland on May 9, 1860. As a child, he loved reading and making up stories. When he grew up, he decided to become a writer. He wrote books and plays that people enjoyed.

One day, J.M. Barrie met a family with five boys, and they became good friends. These boys inspired him to write a magical story about a boy who never grows up. That boy's name was Peter Pan. Peter Pan lives in a place called Neverland with his friends, the Lost Boys, and he has many adventures fighting pirates and meeting fairies.

"Peter Pan" became very popular, and many people loved the story. It was turned into plays, movies, and even cartoons. J.M. Barrie became famous for creating this wonderful world where children could fly and have exciting adventures.

J.M. Barrie was a kind man who also helped children by donating money to hospitals and other charities. He passed away on June 19, 1937, but his stories continue to bring joy to children all around the world. Thanks to J.M. Barrie, we can still visit Neverland anytime we read or watch "Peter Pan."

1. When was J.M. Barrie born?
2. What was the name of the boy who never grows up?
3. How did J.M. Barrie help children besides writing stories?
4. Why do you think "Peter Pan" became so popular?
5. How do you feel when you read or watch "Peter Pan" and why?

Symbols and Traditions

Hi! My name is Alex, and I am 8 years old. Today, I want to tell you about my amazing trip to Kensington Gardens. It was so much fun! I learned that J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan, used to spend a lot of time there. One of the coolest things I saw was the Peter Pan statue. It's really awesome because it shows Peter Pan standing on a rock with fairies, rabbits, and squirrels all around him. I felt like I was in Neverland!

We also walked around the gardens and saw lots of pretty flowers and trees. I even got to play in the Diana Memorial Playground. It's inspired by the story of Peter Pan too! There was a big pirate ship to climb on, and I pretended to be Captain Hook. There were also teepees and a sandpit where I built a big sandcastle. My mom said J.M. Barrie loved watching kids play in the gardens and it made me feel special to play there too.

Kensington Gardens is such a magical place, and I can't wait to go back and explore more. If you love Peter Pan like I do, you should definitely visit. Maybe you'll feel like a Lost Boy or Girl for a day!

1. Who is the author that used to spend a lot of time in Kensington Gardens?
2. What statue did Alex see in the gardens?
3. How did Alex feel when playing in the Diana Memorial Playground?
4. Why do you think J.M. Barrie enjoyed watching kids play in the gardens?
5. If you could visit Kensington Gardens, what would you like to see or do and why?

Profile of J.M. Barrie

A Timeline of J.M. Barrie to another Festival

After learning all about J.M. Barrie, your job is to create a timeline of their life. You should add all the important events in their life but you can be inventive and add some interesting things that people might like to read about. You can make it as simply as you like with pen and paper or you can be very inventive and create a 3D diorama or hanging banner. The sky's the limit - go for it!

Slideshow - J.M. Barrie
A full set of teaching plans for J.M. Barrieteaching.