The novel is particularly appropriate for middle school and young teens due to its exploration of common teen issues, including self-doubt, identity struggles, sense of belonging, and personal growth. A Wrinkle in Time can be read as a coming-of-age story for Meg Murry, and an iteration of the hero’s journey pattern. Its focus on space, fantastical lands, and creatures will appeal to students who enjoy science fiction and fantasy.
Student Activities for A Wrinkle in Time
Essential Questions for A Wrinkle in Time
- What does it mean to be free? Should there be limits to freedom within society?
- Why are differences between people problematic? Why are they good?
- How do our perceptions of ourselves shape our identities?
- What is the role that love and family play in our lives?
- What examples of goodness do you see in the world around you? How do art, science, literature, and religion help society produce goodness?
- How can we fight against evil in our world?
A Wrinkle in Time Background
A Wrinkle in Time was published in 1962 during the height of the Cold War. Competition with and fear of the Soviet Union influenced the daily lives of all Americans. Fear of nuclear attack, the Red Scare, and the Space Race dominated American news, politics, and education. Science and math were given increased stress in schools, and NASA was preparing to send the first humans to the moon.
A Wrinkle in Time is a product of this focus on science and space. Unlike many fantasy novels, L’Engle uses real scientific concepts to launch her characters into space. Although the book glosses over specifics, it introduces the idea of a tesseract and a “wrinkle” in the space-time continuum. This is a concept that is still in vogue today in a number of space movies and superhero dramas. Students may be interested to learn some of the basic theory of time travel and its role in the book. The links below are small excerpts from Stephen Hawking’s documentary Into the Universe and may be helpful for introducing these ideas.
- On the fourth dimension
- On wormholes
The Red Scare, or fear of communists, was another focus of the 1960s. American distrust of communism stemmed, in part, from the totalitarian form of communism that arose in the Soviet Union. At various points, Soviet rule included imprisonment, execution, manipulation of historical truths, thought control, and repression of human rights (including religious freedom, rights of property, and freedom of speech).
Americans saw democracy as the form of government that offered true freedom - the antithesis of communism. In A Wrinkle in Time, we see this political symbolism in the evil that pervades the universe. The Dark Thing has partly obscured Earth and has won over Camazotz, a dystopian planet entirely controlled by a single, all-powerful brain. Throughout their time on Camazotz, the characters discover the pitfalls of sameness and learn to value their unique differences. Before reading the novel, students may explore the history of the Cold War and discuss ideas of freedom and oppression.
Buy A Wrinkle in Time on Amazon
How Tos about A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
Engage students with a creative character analysis activity
Challenge students to select a character from A Wrinkle in Time and create a visual character map. Encourage them to include traits, motivations, major decisions, and how the character changes over time. This active approach strengthens comprehension and makes literary analysis fun!
Guide students to connect novel themes to real-world events
Ask students to compare the themes of freedom and individuality in the book to historical events like the Cold War. Facilitate discussion on how society debates personal freedom versus safety. Connecting fiction to history deepens understanding and relevance.
Promote collaborative learning with group scene reenactments
Divide the class into small groups and assign each a pivotal scene. Have them rehearse and act out the scene, focusing on character emotions and motivations. This interactive strategy builds empathy and teamwork while reinforcing plot details.
Encourage critical thinking with a debate on conformity vs. individuality
Organize a classroom debate around the question: 'Is it better to fit in or stand out?' Let students use examples from Camazotz and their own experiences. Debates foster critical thinking and let students practice respectful argumentation.
Wrap up with a reflective writing prompt on personal growth
Invite students to write a short reflection about a time they overcame self-doubt or discovered a strength. Relate their experience to Meg's journey. Personal reflection helps students internalize the novel's coming-of-age themes.
Frequently Asked Questions about A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L'Engle
What are some quick and easy lesson plans for teaching A Wrinkle in Time?
Quick and easy lesson plans for A Wrinkle in Time include character analysis activities, exploring the hero’s journey, discussions on themes like freedom and individuality, and creative assignments such as storyboards or time-travel projects. These lessons help students engage with the novel’s plot and deeper concepts in an accessible way.
How can teachers introduce the concept of the tesseract from A Wrinkle in Time to students?
Teachers can introduce the tesseract by using visual aids, simple diagrams, and videos like Stephen Hawking’s documentary excerpts. Relating the idea to familiar topics like the space-time continuum or wormholes makes the scientific concept more approachable for middle school students.
What themes in A Wrinkle in Time are most relevant for middle school students?
The most relevant themes for middle school students in A Wrinkle in Time are self-doubt, identity, sense of belonging, personal growth, the importance of family, and confronting evil. These themes mirror common adolescent experiences and foster classroom discussions.
How does A Wrinkle in Time reflect the historical context of the Cold War?
A Wrinkle in Time reflects the Cold War through its focus on science, space travel, and the struggle between freedom and oppression. The novel’s depiction of Camazotz and the Dark Thing symbolizes totalitarianism and the value of individuality, mirroring real-world political tensions of the 1960s.
What is the difference between Camazotz and Earth in A Wrinkle in Time?
The main difference between Camazotz and Earth is that Camazotz is a dystopian planet ruled by sameness and a single controlling brain, while Earth represents individuality and freedom. The contrast helps students explore themes of conformity versus uniqueness.
- Earth • tonynetone • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
- Scales Of Justice • srqpix • License Attribution (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/)
© 2025 - Clever Prototypes, LLC - All rights reserved.
StoryboardThat is a trademark of Clever Prototypes, LLC, and Registered in U.S. Patent and Trademark Office