Mary Poppins is a beloved character that has captured the hearts of audiences both young and old. The story of Mary Poppins was first introduced by author P.L. Travers in 1934. It tells the tale of a magical nanny who is hired by the Banks family to take care of their children, Jane and Michael. Since then, the story has been adapted into a popular movie and a Broadway musical. Teaching students about the author behind Mary Poppins can help inspire a love of literature while introducing students to the rich history behind classic stories.
Who Was P.L. Travers?
P.L. Travers was an Australian-born writer who spent most of her life in England. She was born Helen Lyndon Goff in Maryborough, Queensland, in 1899, but later changed her name to Pamela Lyndon Travers. Travers used her childhood experiences to create the magical world of Mary Poppins.
Travers’ father was a prominent banker who was also an alcoholic. Travers saw her father go through difficult times and struggled to understand why he couldn’t stop drinking. Mary Poppins is a character who has the power to fix everything and make everything better, so it’s possible that Travers created her to help her deal with the trauma of growing up with an alcoholic father.
Travers began her career as a journalist before turning to writing poetry and fiction. Her first book, “Mary Poppins,” was published in 1934 and was an instant success. She went on to write seven more “Mary Poppins” books over the course of her career.
Teaching Mary Poppins in the Classroom
Introducing your students to P.L. Travers and the story behind Mary Poppins can be an excellent way to encourage a love of literature and create a sense of wonder in your classroom. Here are some tips for teaching Mary Poppins in the classroom:
● Read the book: Start by reading the original “Mary Poppins” book with your class. This will give students an opportunity to discover the characters and the world of Mary Poppins before moving on to other adaptations.
● Watch the movie: The movie version of Mary Poppins is a classic and a great way to bring the story to life for your students. After watching the movie, have a discussion about the differences between the book and the movie.
● Research P.L. Travers: Have your students research the life of P.L. Travers. This can include reading her biography or watching interviews with her on YouTube.
● Write fan fiction: After reading the original book, have your students write their own Mary Poppins fan fiction. This can encourage creative writing and inspire a love of storytelling.
● Create a Mary Poppins art project: Encourage your students to use their imagination and create their own Mary Poppins-inspired art project. This can include paintings, drawings, or even sculptures.
In conclusion, teaching your students about P.L. Travers and the world of Mary Poppins can be a wonderful way to encourage a love of literature and creativity in your classroom. So why not bring the magic of Mary Poppins into your classroom today?
