Why the Wardrobe Bundle Is a Game-Changer
First off—this isn’t your average book study. The Wardrobe Bundle, with its vibrant acrylic cutouts of classic characters and iconic objects (like the wardrobe, lamp post, sleigh, lion, and Pevensie children), brings The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe off the page and into your students’ hands. It’s interactive, visual, and totally adaptable.
Let’s break down how to use this magical set by age level—and then we’ll talk about how to stretch it across all your subjects.
Before we dive in, if you’re looking for a digital novel study companion, I highly recommend this Narnia one from TeachingOandA.
Preschool: Storytelling Through Play
At this stage, it’s all about introducing literary elements in a playful and tactile way.
Activities:
- Character Sorting: Have students match characters with objects (e.g., Aslan with the sleigh or Lucy with the wardrobe).
- Simple Sequencing: Lay out key scenes using the characters and retell the story together.
- Sensory Story Time: While reading aloud, let little ones hold or move the corresponding piece as that character is mentioned.
- Imaginative Play: Set up a mini Narnia world where students can “act out” parts of the story with the figures.
Skills Targeted:
Oral language development, sequencing, listening comprehension, imagination, and fine motor skills.
Lower Elementary (Grades K–2): Building Comprehension & Vocabulary
Now we’re diving deeper into plot, character traits, and early writing.
Activities:
- Character Trait Charts: Use each character piece as a visual anchor for describing traits (“brave,” “kind,” etc.).
- Beginning, Middle, End Anchor: Move the characters along a timeline as students identify key story parts.
- Interactive Vocabulary: Introduce terms like “wardrobe,” “fawn,” or “witch” and match them to characters/objects.
- Draw & Write: Students draw a scene using the set for inspiration, then write a few sentences to describe it.
Skills Targeted:
Reading comprehension, character analysis, vocabulary, sentence formation.
Upper Elementary (Grades 3–5): Digging into Themes and Conflict
Here, students are ready to tackle more complex ideas like symbolism and narrative structure.
Activities:
- Theme Sorting: Place character pieces under themes like “sacrifice,” “good vs evil,” or “forgiveness.”
- Conflict Mapping: Use the characters to map out internal and external conflicts.
- Quote Matching: Match character cutouts to key quotes from the text.
- Perspective Writing: Choose a character piece and write a journal entry from that character’s POV.
Skills Targeted:
Theme identification, deeper character study, point of view, textual analysis.
Middle School: Literary Devices & Debate
Students at this level are ready for literary deep dives.
Activities:
- Allegory Discussion: Use the set to explore how the story parallels biblical or historical narratives.
- Debate Team: Divide students into groups using character pieces and have them defend a character’s actions or choices.
- Character Arcs: Line up the figures in order of development from beginning to end—how did they change?
- Storyboard Panels: Create mini skits or storyboard panels using the pieces to retell scenes with original dialogue.
Skills Targeted:
Argumentative writing, critical thinking, literary analysis, symbolism.
High School: Analysis, Adaptation & Creative Expression
Yes, even high schoolers can benefit from hands-on tools when applied with depth.
Activities:
- Socratic Seminar Props: Assign characters for a seminar and require students to speak as their character.
- Thematic Essay Prep: Use the figures to visually map essay outlines or arguments.
- Adaptation Challenge: Reimagine a scene in a modern setting using the characters as prompts.
- Film vs. Book Analysis: Compare how each character is portrayed in the movie vs the book using the bundle set as a visual anchor.
Skills Targeted:
Critical literary analysis, essay writing, synthesis, comparative analysis.
Beyond the Book: Using the Wardrobe Bundle Across the Curriculum
These character boards aren’t just for reading time! Here’s how you can get even more mileage out of them across subjects:
Grammar & Writing
- Parts of Speech Sorting: Label each figure with a noun, verb, or adjective and let students build silly or serious sentences.
- Punctuation Practice: Use the characters in sentences missing punctuation and let students place the correct marks.
- Creative Writing Prompts: Pick 2–3 characters at random and write a short story combining them.
You can pair them with our Language Arts Board Bundle – includes: KWL chart, Hamburger Writing Graphic Organizer and a Vocabulary Board.
Math
- Word Problems: “If the Witch has 3 sleighs and Aslan gives her 2 more…”—you get the idea!
- Patterns & Sorting: Sort characters by size, color, or role.
- Graphing: Take a class poll on favorite characters and graph the results using the figures.
Check out our math board: Number Bonds and Math Frames Bundle
Science
- Animal Studies: Talk about lions, beavers, or the winter biome of Narnia.
- States of Matter: Use the “frozen” winter concept to teach solids, liquids, and gases.
- Light & Shadows: Use the lamp post to introduce light sources and shadows.
Our KWL Chart board goes great with any science lesson.
History
- World War II Context: Discuss how the story is set during the war and connect it to evacuation of children from London.
- Allegory Discussions: Compare characters and themes to historical figures/events.
- Timeline Building: Create a timeline of historical and fictional events side-by-side.
Check out our Map Boards to go along with your history lessons. Sold in different sizes, bundles, and as individuals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use the Wardrobe Bundle even if I’m not reading the entire novel?
Yes! It’s perfect for introducing key concepts, summarizing the story, or even as part of a book trailer activity.
Q: How durable are the pieces?
Most sets are made from sturdy acrylic—ideal for repeated classroom use.
Q: How do I clean or store them?
Wipe clean with a damp cloth and store flat or in a divided organizer box.
Wrapping It All Up: Make Narnia Come Alive
The Wardrobe Bundlw transforms your Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe unit from standard to spectacular. Whether you’re working with tiny learners or teens, this set adapts beautifully to every age and subject area. Literature should be lived—and with tools like this, it absolutely can be.
So next time you’re prepping a lesson, don’t shelve the magic—bring it out through the wardrobe.
Bonus Idea:
Have your students create their own bundle for a book you’re reading next—characters, objects, and all. What better way to show mastery than making your own literary universe? Send us their ideas at HawleyAcrylics@gmail.com and we might be able to bring them to life!
Inspired to try the Wardrobe Bundle Set in your classroom? Share your ideas or tag us (@hawleyacrylics) in your setup photos—we’d love to see Narnia come to life!
Looking for more novel study bundle ideas? Check out James and the Giant Peach & Charlotte’s Web. These ideas can also be used with the Narnia bundle.
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