Dive into the first chapter of Winnie-the-Pooh with us as we explore the literacy device, point of view, from one of the great authors, A. A. Milne, in this Winnie-the-Pooh study and writer’s workshop.

What is Point of View?

Every story is written from a certain point of view. This is the ‘lens’ through which we get to experience the tale. Imagine putting on someone’s glasses and being able to see the world through their eyes. Whenever we sit down to write, we have to decide who is telling the story and whom they’re telling it to. There are three main types of point-of-view we can use:

First-Person Point of View

In the first-person point of view one of the main characters tells us the story and they use first person pronouns like I, me, my, or mine. We get to see exactly what the character is doing, thinking and feeling.

Second-Person Point of View

In the second-person point of view the narrator talks directly to ‘you‘ as the reader. It’s a great way to make us feel like we’re a part of the adventure.

Third-Person Point of View

Lastly, in the third-person point of view the author tells the story as an outsider and calls the characters by name or as he, she, them, or they. This is divided into two main types: omniscient or limited. An omniscient narrator is a fancy way of saying they are “all knowing” – they see everything that is happening or will happen and they can jump into each of the character’s mind to tell us what they’re experiencing. The third-person limited narrator is written from the outside perspective but sticks to the view-point of one main character.

A Winnie-the-Pooh Point of View

Chapter One: In Which we are Introduced to Winnie-the-Pooh and some Bees, and the Stories Begin

What an adventure! In this chapter we are introduced to our friends Winnie-the-Pooh and a young boy named Christopher Robin. Did you notice anything unique about this story? Winnie-the-Pooh is actually a collection of stories, told by the author to his son Christopher.

Our author A. A. Milne wrote Winnie-the-Pooh as a story within a story! Isn’t that creative! Look at the beginning and end of the chapter. Here he writes in the first-person as Christopher Robin asks him to tell a story and they talk about Pooh’s adventures:

“What about a story?” said Christopher Robin.

“What about a story?” I said.

“Could you very sweetly tell Winnie-the-Pooh one?”

“I suppose I could,” I said.

winnie-the-pooh, a. a. milne (4)

When we enter the woods, Milne switches to the role of an omniscient third-person narrator and jumps into the minds of Pooh, Piglet and others. Remember, omniscient is just a fancy word that means ‘all knowing’. Our narrator can see everything that is happening, how our characters are feeling, and what they are thinking. Every now and then, Christopher Robin (remember he’s listening to these stories!) interrupts his father (the storyteller) who switches from third-person back to the first-person to answer his son’s question before continuing on. See if you can find one of these interruptions. (Hint: look for the sections written in italics).

Winnie-the-Pooh Writer’s Workshop

Your turn! Have some fun with point of view and rewrite or narrate Pooh’s adventures from the perspective of the bees! You’ll find your ‘bee glasses’ in your FREE Winnie-the-Pooh Lesson Pack. What are the bees feeling? What are they doing? What do they think of a bear hanging from a balloon? Encourage younger children to use our FREE Winnie-the-Pooh Inspired Stick Puppets to narrate their story. Older children can use our FREE Point of View lesson and Story Paper to write their new rendition. You’ll find a draw and write version for beginner writers, and lined sheets for our emerging authors. I can’t wait to see what you come up with! Sign up for our newsletter to find all of these FREE Winnie-the-Pooh activities in our subscriber community. You’ll find the page link in your welcome email!

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Chapter One: Winnie-the-Pooh Discussion Questions

• When we meet Pooh he is trying to climb a tree to get honey from the bee hive. Unfortunately he doesn’t quite make it and bounces down to the ground. What does Pooh teach us about never giving up? What should we do when our plans don’t work out the way we want them to?
• What was Pooh’s plan to trick the bees? Can you remember all the different steps and materials he needed?
• What did Pooh ask Christopher to do to help distract the bees?
• Why did Pooh decide the bees were “Quite the wrong sort.” and would make the “wrong sort of honey”?
• What is one thing that you and Pooh have in common?
• Where does this story take place (the setting). Hint – there are two!
• Pooh loves to make up songs as he goes about his day. What are your favorite songs? How do they make you feel?
• What was your favorite part of this story?
• What is one thing you would ask our author, A. A. Milne, if you had the chance?
• Was there anything about this story that surprised you?
• If you could invite one of the characters from our story over for a play date, who would you invite?

Bees Curious Trails Nature Study

Extend your Winnie-the-Pooh study with our Bees Curious Trails Nature Study. Throughout each CURIOUS TRAILS NATURE STUDY you’ll find open-and-go topic study guides and lots of hands-on-activities ranging from S.T.E.M. projects, art invitations, nature journaling, cooking together, and more! Check out the listing in our shop to explore.

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Enjoy your study!

Jacqueline