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The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe

There has been much dispute over the reading order of the seven books that make up the Chronicles of Narnia. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe was the first book published in the series. Due to this, a reader can pick up this book and not have to read background information to “catch up” with what is taking place in the story. 

• The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe (1950)
• Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia (1951)
• The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (1952)
• The Silver Chair (1953)
• The Horse and His Boy (1954)
• The Magician’s Nephew (1955)
• The Last Battle (1956)

The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe tells the story of four siblings: Peter, Susan, Edmund, and Lucy. They have been sent to the English countryside to live with Professor Digory Kirke after World War II breaks out in London. The children discover a wardrobe in the professor’s home that takes them to the magical land of Narnia.

In Narnia, the Pevensie children help save a talking lion named Aslan from and evil White Witch. The White Witch has taken over the land of Narnia and caused the kingdom to have everlasting winter with no Christmas. As the children help to break the spell of the evil witch, the snow begins to melt, and Father Christmas arrives.

Anchor Chart

The anchor chart below helps students think about the gifts that Father Christmas brings. These are not the usual gifts of toys and candy that “Santa” brings, but items needed to survive and to battle the evil witch.

You may wish to have students complete the anchor chart by writing the details on sticky notes. This way the anchor chart may be used year after year.

The anchor chart above pairs with the constructive response graphic organizer below.

This is a free sample constructive response organizer from The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe Interactive Notebook and Activity Unit. Just click on the image to download the pdf version of this organizer.

Ways to Use the Graphic Organizer

Option 1

Have students use the graphic organizer for notes. Notice the notes in the photo above are not in complete sentences. Glue the organizer to the left side of the notebook page. On the right side of the notebook, students use the notes to write the details in paragraph form.

Option 2

Students complete the organizer by writing complete sentences.

This anchor chart may be downloaded for free from the Teachers Pay Teachers site. It may be used with any novel. I like to place students into small groups and have them complete the anchor chart.

Plot Development
Roller Coaster Organizer

Download this free Plot Development Anchor Chart.

Click here to read a blog post that provides additional information about this anchor chart.

This is another free sample constructive response organizer. Just click on the image to download the pdf version of this organizer. This constructive response organizer pairs well with the anchor chart above.

Additional Teaching Ideas for the Book

The Secret Door Foldable