Summer Reading Challenge: "The Magician's Nephew" by CS Lewis

NOTE: This class meets 5 times. Sections may differ in how many classes per week, depending on how it fits best. Please check the schedule carefully to verify that it works for you! Thanks!
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“Exactly as he spoke, Polly's hand went out to touch one of the rings. And immediately, without a flash or a noise or a warning of any sort, there was no Polly.” CS Lewis, The Magician's Nephew

CS Lewis and his Chronicles of Narnia have delighted both children and adults for more than 50 years. Join me for this study of the first book in the Narnia timeline, The Magician's Nephew. We will read the book and discuss our thoughts as we discover Narnia and see how it all began. Although we will focus on various literary elements as we read, the class will be conducted in a relaxed, book-club style atmosphere, with plenty of time for student discussion.

First Class:       Brief introduction to author CS Lewis
Description of the setting (time and place) of the book's opening 
Read chapter 1 before class, assign homework reading ch 2-4

Second Class:  Comprehension check and discussion of Chapters 2-4
Focus: Character contrast and comparisons
Assign homework reading ch 5-8

Third Class:     
Comprehension check and discussion of Chapters 5-8 Focus: Plot Analysis
Assign homework reading ch 9-12

Fourth Class:   
Comprehension check and discussion of Chapters 9-12
Focus: Creative art or writing representing a character or plot event
Assign homework reading ch 13-15

Fifth Class:     
Comprehension check and discussion of Chapters 13-15
Focus: Themes
Wrap it all up! Final discussion and analysis.
Students will share their thoughts and opinions about Lewis' storytelling

                    
Students will be responsible to read the assigned chapters before each class. I will provide study guide questions each week to help students prepare for class discussion. We will meet each week to talk about the storyline and how it demonstrates a particular literary element.

Students will be encouraged to share their thoughts and ask questions freely. Students will also complete creative activities and worksheets that will reinforce their observations about the plot and characters.