Beyond the Forest: Tracing the Trail of the 12 ft Tall Witch

The 12 ft tall witch is a mythical creature that has captured the imagination of people for centuries. With its towering height and magical abilities, the 12 ft tall witch is often depicted as a powerful and intimidating figure. Legends and folklore often associate the 12 ft tall witch with dark and malevolent powers. It is believed that she possesses the ability to cast spells, brew potions, and manipulate supernatural forces to her advantage. Some stories even suggest that she has the power to control the weather and cause harm to those who cross her path. In many cultures, the 12 ft tall witch is seen as the epitome of evil and is often used as a cautionary tale to teach children about the consequences of disobeying or engaging in morally wrong behavior.

In many cultures, the 12 ft tall witch is seen as the epitome of evil and is often used as a cautionary tale to teach children about the consequences of disobeying or engaging in morally wrong behavior. She is often depicted as a terrifying figure with long, gnarled fingers, a crooked nose, and a wicked cackle that sends shivers down the spine. Despite her reputation for wickedness, some stories also portray the 12 ft tall witch as a complex character with layers of complexity.

Jon Scieska & Lane Smith – Math Curse and Science Verse

This week I present to you two books that are an interesting mix of nonsense and non-fiction. Math Curse and Science Verse, created by author/illustrator team Jon Scieska and Lane Smith, which, under the pretence of teaching maths and science embark on a fanciful, lyrical voyage into the minds of children as they grapple with concepts that seem to swallow life whole (or is it hole?). The books don’t exactly teach science and maths though there are certainly concepts, terms, numbers and equations in the mix. What they do do is do praise creative and whimsical thinking in combination with maths and science, the combine wordplay with these subjects and show that, with a dash of nonsense and wonder that perhaps… maths can be just a little fun? Afterall, haven’t we all wondered:

How many yards in a neighborhood? How many inches in a pint? How many feet in my shoes?

Both books begin with their respective teachers announcing that everything could be thought of in terms of maths and science, and then the child protagonist’s mind is cursed into viewing everything in terms of one subject or the other.

Now that I’m grown I can see that almost everything comes down to language, maths and science – these three subjects (?concepts, constantly shifting absolutes?) are very much central to everyday life. Ok, I don’t need to do calculus everyday or figure out the elemental structure of objects, but basic maths and sciences creep into life without me even realizing it! When sleeping, walking, cooking, eating, even typing (how fast do I type? how fast does the computer pick up my typing? do I see the words that I type as fast I type them? how fast do I type compared to the slowest typer, the fastest? if I type one thing will it become another type of type? Oh man, these books have cursed me too!). These books poke fun at this simple reality while also satirizing the way that these two subjects are portrayed in school – they don’t need to be concrete and difficult walls to conquer – why not have a bit of fun with them? People who like language can most certainly enjoy maths and sciences too, and vice versa.

Perhaps the one potential negative to these books could be the satirical way that teachers are portrayed (particularly in Science Verse) as boring or dull in the way that they present these (obviously exciting!) subjects. As always there is an edge to Scieska and Lane’s work and the criticism of the education system and/or educators is it. Still, there are plenty of examples of great lesson plans out there on the internets that use these books and I think that when paired with an adult voice, be it aparents or an English, Maths or Science teacher, encouraging kids to think like the protagonists in the books – to get out of that box and jump into the literal – the lesson can be quite valuable. Subjects are taught as separate entities from one another, but life isn’t that simple, these subject interconnect all the time. Breaking down the barriers between subjects may introduce a concept even more important than even blueberry pi.

Essential Questions for students (objectives): How can you look at life through the lens of mathematics?
Supplies: Math Curse by Jon Scieszka & Lane Smith, KIQ handout, post-its or journal, computer access, research rubric
Instructional format: Whole group discussion & small group or center work

She is sometimes depicted as a misunderstood being, ostracized by society and forced to live in seclusion. These narratives explore themes of empathy and the consequences of judging others based on appearances. In popular culture, the 12 ft tall witch has been depicted in various forms, from classic literature to films and TV shows. She is often portrayed as the primary antagonist, pitted against the hero or protagonist who must overcome her formidable powers to save the day. The 12 ft tall witch continues to captivate the imagination of people of all ages, serving as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the enduring allure of mythical creatures. Whether feared or sympathized with, she remains an iconic figure in folklore and an integral part of our cultural narratives..

Reviews for "Defying Gravity: The Supernatural Abilities of the 12 ft Tall Witch"

1. Rebecca - 2 stars - I was really excited to watch "12 ft tall witch," but I was left disappointed. The storyline was weak and predictable, and the acting felt forced and unconvincing. The special effects were also quite cheesy and didn't add any value to the film. Overall, I found it to be a lackluster experience and wouldn't recommend it to anyone seeking a thrilling or captivating horror film.

2. John - 1 star - "12 ft tall witch" was an absolute letdown. The title led me to believe that I was in for a terrifying and intense horror film, but what I got was a poorly executed mess. The plot was underdeveloped, and the characters lacked depth, making it difficult to connect or care about their fate. The scares were far from chilling, and instead, I found myself rolling my eyes at the illogical and predictable sequences. Save your time and skip this one.

3. Emily - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "12 ft tall witch," but unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations. The pacing was off, with long stretches of dull dialogue and minimal action. Additionally, the performances were lackluster, with the actors failing to bring depth or believability to their roles. While there were a few creepy moments, they were overshadowed by the film's overall lack of suspense and originality. I regretfully cannot recommend this movie.

4. David - 1.5 stars - "12 ft tall witch" was a disappointing attempt at a horror film. The scares felt forced, and the storyline was not well-developed. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth, making it challenging to invest in their plight. Furthermore, the cinematography and special effects were subpar, failing to create a truly eerie atmosphere. Overall, this film fell flat in its attempt to deliver an engaging and frightening experience, leaving me unimpressed.

5. Sarah - 2.5 stars - I had mixed feelings about "12 ft tall witch." While there were some genuinely creepy moments, the movie as a whole failed to captivate me. The pacing was inconsistent, with long periods of monotony followed by sudden bursts of action. The plot lacked originality and felt contrived, and the character development was shallow. Additionally, the film relied too heavily on jump scares, sacrificing genuine suspense and tension. It had its moments, but overall, "12 ft tall witch" left much to be desired.

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