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Teaching Resources for Shadow Creatures By Chris Vick

These teaching notes for Shadow Creatures by Chris Vick are designed to guide educators in helping students explore key themes, historical context, and literary elements of the novel.

Set in Norway during World War II, the novel blends historical facts with Nordic folklore, offering a unique lens through which students can engage with the challenges of occupation, resistance, and identity. The notes provide a comprehensive range of activities, discussions, and projects. These include exploring the novel's framing device, its use of multiple points of view, and the symbolic significance of light, darkness, and folklore. Furthermore, they offer historical insights into Norway's role during the war, encouraging students to research and reflect on real-world events while drawing connections to the fictional narrative. Through creative activities like mind maps, character profiles, timelines, and writing exercises, students will be able to delve into the characters' experiences and the wider implications of war and resistance.

These notes aim to deepen students' understanding of both the historical and the fantastical elements in Shadow Creatures, fostering a thoughtful discussion on the themes of courage, conformity, identity, and community in times of conflict.