Explore whether The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a true allegory or a rich imaginative supposal by C.S. Lewis, and learn how this distinction can deepen students’ understanding of Aslan and the novel’s themes of redemption, sacrifice, and moral growth.
When I read The Magician’s Nephew with my students, they almost always notice echoes of the biblical creation story — and they’re right. In this article, I explore how these parallels — from Aslan’s song to Digory’s moral choices — can spark rich classroom discussions and invite reflection on literature, faith, and responsibility.
In The Magician’s Nephew, C. S. Lewis crafted Narnia’s origins — yet the novel was not written first. Does this have implications for teaching the series? Absolutely. This article explores The Magician’s Nephew’s role as a Narnia prequel and why the difference between publication and chronological order matters in the classroom.
Cicero comes alive in the streets and Forum of ancient Rome—his speeches, ambitions, and moral challenges unfolding in real time. In Robert Harris’ Imperium, students encounter the drama, tension, and intrigue of the Roman Republic in a way that captivates even those usually reluctant to read novels.
Why do some literary characters stay with students long after the last page is turned? This article explores vulnerability, inner conflict, and personal growth as key elements that help middle school readers connect deeply with stories across classic and modern literature.
How can we help students truly understand Maycomb before reading To Kill a Mockingbird? This article explores a pre-reading approach centered on identity, stereotypes, and community rules—key concepts that reveal how Maycomb is not just the setting of the novel, but a system that shapes characters, conflict, and meaning.
