Parent Guide > The Griffin and the Minor Canon

by Frank R. Stockton 1885

Welcome to the parent guide for this text! Read below to find out about what your child is reading in class and how you can support him/her at home.

This week in class, we’re reading "The Griffin and the Minor Canon" by Frank R. Stockton.

In this short story, a griffin drawn from the wild to a church in a nearby town to see a statue made in his likeness decides to stay—much to the fear and dismay of the townspeople.

As we read, we will be discussing the themes of Fear & Paranoia and Prejudice & Discrimination as they relate to the text. We are trying to answer these big questions :

"How does fear drive action?" and "How does prejudice emerge?"

Ways to support your child:

  • Ask your child about this short story at home:
    • What was "The Griffin and the Minor Canon" about?
    • What did you learn about Fear & Paranoia?
    • What did you learn about Prejudice & Discrimination?
  • Watch Songs from the Shed: The Griffin and the Minor Canon at home with your child.