When my son was 3, I started a tradition of reading The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe to him during Passion Week. At first, I wondered if he was too young for this practice. But as an elementary educator, I knew the value of reading aloud and trusted that his understanding would grow with each passing year.
To my surprise, after our second year reading the book together, I overheard him retelling the story to my sister—including recognizing Aslan as a Christ-figure in his death and resurrection.
Each night during the week leading up to Easter, we curl up before bed to read and talk about C. S. Lewis’s story of betrayal, sacrifice, and hope. We ask questions about Edmund and his selfish decisions, the Beavers’ kindness, and whether we can make Turkish Delight. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe is a worthwhile read-aloud anytime of year, but if you’d like to introduce the tradition of reading it during Passion Week, here are tips for different age groups.
Reading Schedule
Keep in mind that this is a guide, not a rigid schedule you must follow. Allow room for your child to interrupt with questions or ideas. Feel free to spend an extra day or two reading, if needed. You’re creating an opportunity for discipleship, not following a strict program.
I’ve found that it works well to start on Palm Sunday and read two chapters each day. Then, on Easter Sunday, we read three chapters to finish the book. If you think two chapters per day is too much, start earlier or read past Easter Sunday so you can read less each day. There are 17 chapters total.
Reading Tips by Age
Toddler (Ages 1–3)
My son sometimes sits on my lap and listens to an entire story. More often than not, though, he’s flipping through another book, playing with a puzzle or toy, or even walking in circles around me. This is OK and perfectly normal. He’s still benefiting from being read to.
You’re creating an opportunity for discipleship, not following a strict program.
For this age, I recommend finding a version with illustrations to help your child imagine the story as he listens. You might even want to begin with a board book version. Since verbal expression can vary significantly in this age group, he may not be ready to answer questions. Simply reading the story aloud is worthwhile. If your child can discuss the story to some degree, keep your questions simple.
Example Questions:
- What did you like in the story? What did you dislike?
- Did anyone do something wrong? What happened next?
- Who helped someone in this chapter?
Early Elementary (Ages 4–7)
Many children are eager to read this story around age 5. Reading aloud becomes much easier because your child can typically sit for longer stretches. Give her the opportunity to do something with her hands while she listens. Coloring, drawing, magnetic tiles, and blocks are all great options.
It’s ideal to incorporate some simple conversation as you read, but don’t feel like it’s necessary to quiz your child. Let conversation flow naturally. There’s a good chance your child will begin to ask questions of her own as you read.
Example Questions:
- If you were Edmund, what would you do? (This works for just about any mention of Edmund.)
- What do you think will happen next?
- Why do you think Aslan chose to die for Edmund?
For the last question, most kids this age probably won’t understand the significance of Aslan’s sacrifice. But asking the question helps kids begin to think about it, and parents get the opportunity to explain it.
Older Elementary (Ages 8–12)
Reading to this age group holds a special place in my heart, as I taught third through fifth grades during my 11 years as a teacher. I cherish those times after recess when my students sat on the rug, scooting up as close as they could to listen to me read aloud.
At this age, kids tend to have more of their own ideas and questions about the story. Follow your child’s lead, and discuss what he’s noticing in the story.
Example Questions:
- Why is ___ important to the story? (Pick any character)
- How is Aslan’s sacrifice similar to Jesus’s?
- What elements of goodness or beauty do you see in the story? (You might need to provide an example.)
- What questions do you have about the story?
Teen Years (Ages 13+)
Reading aloud to teens may seem odd to parents and teens alike. But for most of human history, people have read out loud. Silent reading didn’t become common until after the printing press. It’s worth trying to establish this read-aloud tradition, even with teens.
For most of human history, people have read out loud.
However, if your teen is resistant to a true read-aloud, try one of these modifications. You could listen to the audiobook together, perhaps on rides to school or sports practices. Or, family members could read the book on their own and then come together at dinner or an afternoon at a coffee shop to talk about the story.
Example Questions:
- What key themes do you notice in the story? How do the characters convey these themes?
- Where do we see brokenness or places where things aren’t as they should be?
- What is the book’s answer for that brokenness?
- What do you think the book is really about?
Reading aloud The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe with your family during Passion Week is a beautiful tradition that helps families slow down and meditate on Christ’s sacrifice. And it points kids immersed in a screen-obsessed culture to the value of reading and literature.
Don’t worry if your first attempt doesn’t produce deep conversations or enthusiasm from your kids. After overhearing my son’s conversation with my sister, I realized that kids take in much more than we can often tell. Discipleship is slow, steady work, and this read-aloud is one way to plant seeds. Pray that the Lord will use this story to help your child understand the greater story of Jesus’s sacrifice for sinners.
