Use these questions or activities to help gauge students’ familiarity with and spark their interest in the context of the work, giving them an entry point into the text itself.

Short Answer

1. The concept of “Wu Wei” is central in the Taoism belief system. “Wu Wei,” or effortless action, explores the idea that your actions should be guided naturally without force or tension. With this definition in mind, how might this ideology be viewed in today’s society? If a society were to adopt this mindset, how might it change the culture? Beliefs? Social structure? Careers?

Teaching Suggestion: This journal prompt provides an opportunity to introduce the theme Taoism. It may be helpful to gauge how many of your students have heard of Taoism and what they may already know—or think they know—about it. Readers may benefit from a general class discussion or brief investigation on Taoism, providing examples and/or main characteristics of this belief system. Students who follow Taoism might be invaluable sources on the topic, if they are comfortable sharing.

• This National Geographic article about Taoism, though aimed for younger readers, provides a brief yet detailed explanation of Taoist beliefs. Students for whom The Tao of Pooh is the first introduction to Taoism might find this article helpful, along with those who would benefit from a refresher on Taoism’s main ideology.