A Wrinkle in Time is one of my favorite books to share with kids, and it’s featured as one of my top picks for read-alouds in chapter 15 of one of the brand new book, The Read-Aloud Family. 

The movie’s release later this week offers families a wonderful opportunity to experience the book together and have some meaningful conversations about all kinds of topics.

(This is both an article and a podcast. If you’d prefer to listen to the podcast episode, click the play button below.)

Though often recommended for kids age 10-14 years, older teens and adults will find a lot to love, as well. If you’re reading the book aloud, kids as young as 7 or 8 can listen in.

3 simple steps to sharing A Wrinkle in Time with your kids:
  1. Read the book
  2. Share an experience
  3. Talk about it

It’s that simple. No need for literary expertise or complicated plans.

If you and your child read A Wrinkle in Time together, share an experience, and then talk about the book, you will find that both your relationship with your child and your child’s relationship with books will change for the better.

Here’s how to get the most out of the The Wrinkle in Time book and movie experience:

Step 1: Read the book

A Wrinkle in Time makes for a wonderful read-aloud! If you’d like, use the audiobook version (so you can enjoying being read to, as well). I particularly like the version narrated by Hope Davis. Audiobooks are a great way to fit read-alouds in when you’re with your kids in the car, sharing the task of folding laundry, or relaxing together in the evening.

If you’re short on time or your older kids and teens haven’t warmed up to the idea of being read aloud to yet (you’ll find strategies to help you with that in The-Read Aloud Family), each of you can read the book independently and then come together to share the experience of watching the movie and talking about it.

It’s worth making the effort to either read the book aloud or listen to an audio version, if you can. That shared experience is magical.

Step 2: Share an experience

Mark your calendar! The brand new Disney movie, A Wrinkle in Time, releases to theaters March 9, 2018, and is rated PG.

If you read the book first and then watch the movie, your kids will enjoy pointing out what was different and what was the same. They’ll also likely have opinions about how characters were depicted in the film, and what scenes the filmmakers decided to include or leave out.

(Find out more about the movie here.)

If your kids are digging the sci-fi nature of A Wrinkle in Time and you’re feeling a bit adventurous, try a simple but fun activity like breaking open geodes or growing crystals.

Step 3: Talk about it

Ask any of the questions below to spark a conversation with your kids about A Wrinkle in Time. You can ask kids of all ages these questions— the answers will vary depending on your children’s age and maturity level.

As you talk with your kids, keep in mind that compelling questions are more important than compelling answers. A child who practices the art of asking questions will develop a habit of thinking deeply when they’re reading in the future. This is what we’re going for!

Asking even one of these questions will make a difference in the way your kids think about what they’ve read.

Think of the questions as doors. Opening any one of these doors can lead to a wonderful, meaty discussion. So pick a door— any door— and see where it takes you!

You’ll find all of the questions I suggest in this FREE guide:

Download the FREE reading guide

A WRINKLE IN TIME BY MADELEINE L'ENGLE
Powered by ConvertKit

Some examples of questions in the guide:

  • What does Meg want most, and why can’t she have it?
  • How are Mrs Whatsit, Mrs Who, and Mrs Which alike? How are they different?
  • Who is the most noble in the story? What did he/she do that was so noble?

 Books your kids will enjoy if they like A Wrinkle in Time:

(All links are affiliate links.)

The Sherwood Ring
Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH
The Giver Quartet boxed set
The Wrinkle in Time Quintet Boxed Set
The Perilous Gard
Meet the Austins: Book One of The Austin Family Chronicles (Austin Family Series 1)
Tuck Everlasting
Emmy and the Incredible Shrinking Rat

Learn about the movie right here.

For more ideas on sharing books with kids of all ages…

… Check out The Read-Aloud Family: Making Meaningful and Lasting Connections with Your Kids, the brand new book by Sarah Mackenzie.

Download the FREE reading guide

A WRINKLE IN TIME BY MADELEINE L'ENGLE
Powered by ConvertKit

More free resources and booklists

Get the best episodes and reources
from the Read-Aloud Revival

Powered by ConvertKit