The Magic of Narnia this Winter-The Lion, the Witch and The Wardrobe, Real Life Lessons and Turkish Delight

I’ve always been fascinated with The Chronicles of Narnia where the world is filled with the wonder and magic of talking animals and mystical creatures.  Many of you may recall that the book also has a Christian allegory.  This would be a great book to use for an older elementary group of kiddos in a Virtual Bible Study.  The families could read several chapters a week, then meet over Zoom or in person for activities and discussion.  There will be more activities in the Newsletter article coming up very soon for connecting families in group virtual or in-person meetings.

When reading the book you will also receive a glimpse of British history as Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are evacuated from their London home due to the Blitz, which was a series of bombings by the Germans that affected the city of London during World War II.  During that period of time, British children were often sent to live in the countryside with friends or relatives because of the wartime circumstances.

In our world today, we have been spending much time in our homes and yards during 2020, much like the Pevensie siblings were doing in the beginning of the book.  We can enjoy being whisked away to a place in time that is filled with unexpected places when reading books.  As you read this book with your children, you will discover many themes and life lessons for all of us and connect some “dots” in our lives and lessons learned or lessons we are in the process of learning.  I’ve also added an easy recipe for Turkish Delight that the family can make and enjoy.

Let’s talk about and describe some Themes,  and Family Bible Connections along with some School Learning activities.  There is also a recipe for hands on Math experiences in measuring, mixing and following directions.

Themes:  Forgiveness, Courage, Friendship, Power, Good vs. Evil

School Learning:

Conflict: ( literary device characterized by a struggle between two opposing forces)

1.  What forces are in opposing forces throughout the book?

Character Traits (character’s personality or qualities that make. them who they are. In other words, how you would describe that character to someone else)

1.  Compare character traits of the main characters.  Here are a few to choose from, or come up with more on your own.  (cheerful, caring, cruel, dark, hateful, impolite thoughtful, calm, dependable, honest, conceited, untrustworthy, brave, independent, fearful, mature, dishonest, deceitful, charming, thoughtful, adventurous, indifferent)

Comparing and Contrasting:

Here is a selection from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland that is another fantasy story.  Listen to the selection and compare the character’s entrance to a fantasy land to the entrance in The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe.   How are they they same?  How are they different?

ttps://etc.usf.edu/lit2go/1/alices-adventures-in-wonderland/1/chapter-i-down-the-rabbit-hole/

Wonder Questions:

1.  I wonder what part of the chapter you liked best?
2. I wonder what part of the chapter (story) is most important?
3. I wonder where you are in this story?
4. I wonder when Edmund started feeling guilty?
5. I wonder what Edmund was thinking when he left the White Witch?
6. I wonder what part of the book reminds us of how we should act towards others?
7. I wonder what part of the book reminds us of Jesus’ death and resurrection?
8. I wonder how the characters used their power for good in the story?
9. I wonder how some used the power of evil in the story?

Family Bible Connection: As you read or listen to the book, find parts in the book (events, characters) that you can discuss with your family and make connections with the following Bible verses.

Good vs. Evil:

1.  “Don’t be defeated by evil, but defeat evil with good.”  Romans 12:21

Forgiveness:

1. “Be kind, compassionate, and forgiving to each other, in the same way God forgave you in Christ.”  Ephesians 4:32

Courage:

1.  “God didn’t give us a spirit that is timid but one that is powerful, loving, and self-controlled.”  2 Timothy 1:7

Truth:

1. “Don’t lie to each other.  Take off the old human nature with its practices.”  Colossians 3:9

Power:

1.  …being strengthened through His glorious might so that you endure everything and have patience.”  Colossians 1:11

TURKISH DELIGHT.      READY IN: 17-30 minutes                                                                                     

SERVES: 8-10

YIELD: 8-10 pieces

UNITS: US

INGREDIENTS

2 cups granulated sugar

1 cup cold water

1.5 (1/4 ounce) envelopes unflavored gelatin

1 orange (juice of)

1 lemon, juice of

• red food coloring, to your liking

1/2 cup chopped nutmeats (or dates)

powdered sugar (confectioners)

DIRECTIONS

• Soak gelatin in one-half cupful of the cold water for ten minutes.
• Place sugar and remaining cold water in a saucepan and bring to the boiling point, add soaked gelatin and the juices of the orange and lemon.
• Boil to 240°F on a candy thermometer, or soft ball stage(spoon a drop of this mixture into a glass of cold water and it should form a soft putty ball).
• Add nutmeats and red food coloring until desired color is achieved.
• Remove from heat and beat until creamy.
• Turn into a bread pan that is lightly greased and placed in cold water to the depth of one inch.
• Let stand until firm, turn out onto board, and cut into cubes. Roll in powdered sugar.