BearNation Volume 4 Issue 2 | Page 12

A TRIP TO NARNIA

The 4th graders at BIS took a trip to Narnia by diving into the story with intricate planning from their teachers . Students were able to read the book , while also partaking in exciting educational activities over different portions of the book . English teacher , Jennifer Lehr , did this particular event at a previous school and thought it would be an interesting change for the group of fourth graders .

“ Jennifer and I both teach reading , so most of our lessons revolved around different pieces of the book ,” English teacher Mellisa Hallmark said . “ We read it during chapter book time- the kids were always anxious to see what would happen next , and were always distraught when we stopped for the day .”
The English department decided to put together a fun lesson plan for their students to partake in different experiments and projects that related to the portion they were reading .
“ We did several character analyses as well as related the story to our current lives ,” said Hallmark . “ Some students even chose a character from the book they would like to meet and wrote an essay about why .
Teachers also festively decorated for students to “ live ” in the setting of the book .
“ The teachers each created unique door decorations that related to important parts of the plot ,” Hallmark said . “ Some even included quotes from the story .”
One of the most loved activities included sardines for the students to try and RTI teachers dressed as the White Witch and her helper to hand out Turkish delight from the story .
“ First of all the smell - so gross ; the shock that so many students tried them ; the disbelief that some students enjoyed them and asked for more ,” Hallmark said . “ However , the sheer joy on their faces was worth every minute of planning and stress that went into it .”
As a grand finale for the course , the English department decided to throw students a feast to enjoy and congratulate them on their hard work .
“ We decided we wanted to give our students an experience that more than likely they have not had ,” Hallmark said . “ Most people rarely even eat at the kitchen table anymore , so having a formal meal would be all new to them .”
To get the plan started , teachers held a parent meeting to get sources involved with sponsoring food and decorating the gym . They also created several sign up sheets and group chats to coordinate the logistics . Those who decided to sponsor were in charge of decorating a designated table to match a particular theme within the book , as well as putting together the place settings , setting up , and breaking down . Every table ended up being sponsored by a parent or teacher .
“ This would not have been possible without all the parent volunteers and donations ,” Hallmark said . “ We also give a special thank you to the administration for allowing the event , the parents for making it possible , and the 4th grade team who pulled together and made it happen .”
BY MADELINE TERRY
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