The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
Before we begin our adventure into Narnia, let's find out what was going on in Britain during World War II. WWII was a war that took place over 60 years ago, from 1939-1945. It was called a "war on two fronts" because there was fighting in Europe and fighting in Asia. There were two sides to the war: the Axis and the Allies. The Axis countries included Japan, Italy, and Germany. The Allies included Great Britain, France, the Soviets (Russia), and the U.S. The war started when Hitler, leader of Germany, decided to invade Poland. Hitler wanted to control Europe. Lucy, Peter, Edmund, and Susan are children who were evacuated, or forced to leave, their homes in Great Britain during the war. In September of 1939, many children left major cities that were under the threat of attack from German bombers. The evacuation efforts were called Operation Pied Piper and it was the largest evacuation of people in the country's history. Nearly 3 million people were put on a train and sent to the countryside. Who accompanied the children to the countryside? Teachers, of course! 100,000 teachers escorted children to temporary homes in the country.
Operation Pied Piper Intro
Evacuation During World War II: Click link to learn more!
Genre Lesson: Fantasy(click for Fantasy Elements File)
Fantasy stories have 6 basic elements:
1. Magical Objects - Example: the ruby slippers in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
2. Imaginary Places - Example: the Emerald City in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or the magical chocolate factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3. Invented Languages - Example: "Parseltongue" is a secret snake language in Harry Potter
4. Nonhuman Characters - Example: the half human half horse centaurs in The Lightning Thief
5. Myths - Example: Peter Pan is based on the mythical god Pan that never ages
6. Good vs. Evil Plots - Example: Lord Voldemort (evil) vs. Harry Potter (good)
Fantasy stories have 6 basic elements:
1. Magical Objects - Example: the ruby slippers in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
2. Imaginary Places - Example: the Emerald City in The Wonderful Wizard of Oz or the magical chocolate factory in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
3. Invented Languages - Example: "Parseltongue" is a secret snake language in Harry Potter
4. Nonhuman Characters - Example: the half human half horse centaurs in The Lightning Thief
5. Myths - Example: Peter Pan is based on the mythical god Pan that never ages
6. Good vs. Evil Plots - Example: Lord Voldemort (evil) vs. Harry Potter (good)