Exploring Narnia

Grade Level and Standards

Grade: 5th
Curriculum Area: English Language Arts - Writing and Language Arts
Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.W.5.3: Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, descriptive details, and clear event sequences.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.5.3: Use knowledge of language and its conventions when writing, speaking, reading, or listening.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.5.3: Describe characters, settings, or events in a story, drawing on specific details from the text.

By the end of this 30-minute lesson, the student will be able to:

Write a creative narrative inspired by The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, focusing on descriptive language and event sequencing.
Analyze a key aspect of the setting or a character from the novel.
Express their understanding of Narnia by creating a unique twist in the world of the book.

A copy of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (or pre-selected excerpts)
Notebook or lined paper
Colored pencils, crayons, or markers
Timer/clock

Activity: "Stepping into the Wardrobe" Visualization

Have the student close their eyes and imagine they are walking through the wardrobe into Narnia for the first time.
- Guide them with sensory prompts:
  - What does the air smell like?
  - What do they see?
  - How does the snow feel under their feet?
  - Is the forest silent, or do they hear any sounds?
After the visualization, ask them to quickly jot down keywords about what they "experienced" in Narnia (e.g., snowy trees, cold wind, magical light).

Mini Lesson: Setting and Mood

Briefly explain:
- Setting: The time and place of a story.
- Mood: How the setting makes readers feel (e.g., magical, mysterious, scary).
Point to an excerpt from the book where Lewis describes the setting of Narnia (e.g., Lucy's first arrival through the wardrobe).
- Read aloud for vivid imagery.
- Highlight specific words/phrases that create the magical and mysterious mood of Narnia.
Discuss: How did these details help us imagine the world of Narnia?

Creative Writing: "Discovering My Own Narnia"

Students will write a short narrative imagining that they step into Narnia but find one major difference—Narnia has changed in a surprising or exciting way (e.g., it’s summer, a new magical being has taken over, the trees can talk, etc.).
Encourage:
- Start with a vivid description of the setting (use senses!).
- Introduce their main character (themselves or someone new).
- Create an event or conflict (e.g., They meet a talking snow leopard who warns them of danger).
Share tips:
- Use similes/metaphors (e.g., "The trees stood tall like frozen statues").
- Use dialogue, if possible, to bring characters to life.

Show and Reflect

Invite the student to read the opening lines of their narrative aloud.
Ask:
- How did you make Narnia feel magical in your story?
- What made your version of Narnia unique?
Praise their creativity and descriptive effort, and suggest one detail they could expand on later (focus on encouragement, not critique).

Illustration Activity:

At home, sketch a scene from "your Narnia" based on the setting you described in your story. Use colors and details that show what makes it unique and magical. Bring this to class to add to a "Narnia Stories Gallery."

Differentiation:
- If the student struggles with writing, allow them to dictate their story ideas verbally before attempting to write.
- Provide a word bank of sensory and descriptive words (e.g., frosty, enchanted, glowing).
Encourage creativity: Their story doesn’t have to match the exact rules of Narnia as depicted in the book. Stretching their imagination is key.
Keep the tone fun and exploratory—this is about uncovering the magic of writing!

Evaluate the student’s narrative for clear descriptions, creative use of language, and chronological sequencing.
Observe engagement during the lesson to ensure concepts like mood and setting were understood.