Metaphors are powerful communication tools: they bypass the defenses erected by the rational ego and talk directly to emotions. In this tale the characters have a symbolic meaning which may balance the emotional stress which is attached to every task. Don’t underestimate the fear of failing that each kid feels when challenged with something unusual and difficult! Even if disguised under a mask of self-assurance these feelings are often self-destructive and lead to the famous “fight or flight” response. Which means that any individual when confronted with the potential danger of losing their self-esteem and the peers’ consideration may react aggressively or undervaluing the task itself. The wolf is useful to objectify these negative emotions while making them quite harmless. Remember! The keyword for successful teaching-learning activities is:

“high challenge – low stress”

In fact it is worthless to assign easy tasks just to make sure that students succeed; too easy tasks mean boredom and reduction of emotional and intellectual involvement; don’t reduce the amount of difficulty but establish a friendly atmosphere where everybody can afford taking risks and making mistakes without being fired on the spot! It’s only the wolf who must die at the end of the story, after all, not Little Red Riding Hood!  

Lots of love from...

High stress!!!

Low stress!!!