Cozy Homeschool: C.S. Lewis and The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe
November 29th marks C.S. Lewis Day, a time to celebrate the life and works of one of the most beloved authors of the 20th century. Celebrated for his unique blend of fantasy and philosophy, Lewis’s works continue to inspire readers around the world. Among his impressive repertoire, The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe stands out as a cornerstone of children’s literature. This is the perfect book to incorporate into your cozy homeschool. Whether you’re looking for a story to read aloud together, or want to build a unit study out of the plethora of science, history, language arts, Bible study, and creative applications, this Homeschool Living offers some great resources for your cozy homeschool lessons.
C.S. Lewis, the Man
C.S. Lewis was a man whose life reflected his faith, struggles, and ultimately, his hope, and his personal testimony is a treasure trove of inspiration. His journey from atheism to Christianity shapes much of his writing, through which he conveyed profound truths and complex themes, often drawing on his own experiences. His work, particularly Mere Christianity, is known for its clear articulation of Christian doctrine and personal testimony. Lewis’s exploration of good versus evil in this fantastical story mirrors his understanding of the human experience—one marked by conflict but also by redemption.
C.S. Lewis, the Author
This underlying theme of redemption and hope is beautifully mirrored in The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, where Aslan’s sacrifice embodies the essence of Christ’s love for humanity. Unit studies offer tons of creative opportunities to engage with the material. This “Into the Wardrobe” guide from Walking by the Way is an excellent resource, filled with activities that spark curiosity and critical thinking about the themes and characters in Narnia. From discussing the moral lessons learned by the Pevensie children to exploring the richly built world Lewis crafted, these studies feature physical and hands-on activities, discussion questions, and Biblical tie-ins, allowing for a deeper understanding of the book’s significance.
C.S. Lewis Unit Study
While this unit study outlines a nine-week unit study, feel free to pick and choose the activities that fit your homeschool and adjust the timeline as best works for your family. (However, if you follow the suggested pacing and cover the chapters as outlined–even just for reading–you could start the book next week and reach the part about Father Christmas in chapter ten just before Christmas!)
You can find so many creative ways to incorporate activities that introduce or reinforce concepts and lessons in other subjects, from studying lions and researching the historical setting of Great Britain during World War II, to examining other examples of literary devices like allegory and personification. Some fun, hands-on STEM activities could also include following this recipe for making Turkish delight–a treat that symbolizes temptation and betrayal in the story. Sharing a dish from Narnia can spark delightful conversations about the story’s themes!
Furthermore, the world of Narnia is rich in imaginative details. For example, the snowflakes in the eternal winter cast by the White Witch can lead to fun science experiments, like creating salt crystals.
Additionally, you can follow this tutorial for creating a simple pan flute with straws and tie into lessons about music and sound.
C.S. Lewis’s Legacy
C.S. Lewis’s legacy continues to inspire readers of all ages, encouraging us to reflect on our personal journeys and the moral choices we face. Whether you’re revisiting The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe for the umpteenth time or discovering it anew, grab your favorite cozy homeschool spot and take some time to consider the depth of his message and the joy it brings to countless lives.
Megan Mora Fuentes
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