Differences on how poor and rich people lived during the victoria era / Activity Analysis

Art

• The student learned about the different styles of art that depicted the lives of the poor and the rich during the Victorian era, such as realism and romanticism.
• They grasped the concept of using art as a medium to convey the stark differences in living conditions and social status.
• They may have created their own artistic representations of the lives of the poor and rich people during the Victorian era, using various techniques and materials to express their understanding.

English

• The student explored literature from the Victorian era, including works that provided insight into the lives of the poor and the wealthy.
• They may have analyzed the language and writing styles used to describe the living conditions and societal norms of the time, enhancing their comprehension and critical thinking skills.
• Through discussions and writing assignments, they developed a deeper understanding of the societal disparities and challenges faced by different classes in Victorian England, while also improving their linguistic skills.

Foreign Language

• The student may have learned words and phrases in the foreign language relating to class distinctions, living conditions, and societal issues during the Victorian era.
• They may have practiced translating texts or conversations that depicted the differences in lifestyle between the poor and the rich, enriching their vocabulary and cultural knowledge.
• They may have engaged in role-playing activities or skits in the foreign language to illustrate the daily lives of individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds in Victorian society.

History

• The student gained a deeper understanding of the historical context of the Victorian era, including the social and economic disparities between the poor and the rich.
• They may have analyzed primary sources, such as historical documents and photographs, to comprehend the stark differences in living conditions and societal expectations based on class.
• They may have conducted research and presentations on specific aspects of life for the poor and the wealthy in Victorian England, honing their research skills and historical analysis abilities.

Math

• The student may have explored the economic disparities and inequalities between the poor and the rich during the Victorian era through mathematical models and statistics.
• They may have learned about the financial struggles faced by the poor and the luxurious lifestyles of the wealthy, using mathematical concepts to quantify and understand these differences.
• They may have engaged in activities that involved budgeting and financial planning, simulating the experiences of individuals from different socioeconomic backgrounds in Victorian society.

Music

• The student may have studied music from the Victorian era, recognizing how different classes expressed their experiences and emotions through music.
• They may have analyzed the themes and messages conveyed in music related to the lives of the poor and the rich, enhancing their critical listening and interpretation skills.
• They may have composed their own musical pieces inspired by the experiences of individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, expressing their understanding through creative compositions.

Physical Education

• The student may have learned about the physical demands and health challenges faced by the poor and the wealthy during the Victorian era.
• They may have compared the lifestyles and physical activities of individuals from different classes, understanding the impact of social status on health and well-being in the context of Victorian society.
• They may have engaged in role-playing or reenactments of physical activities representing the lives of the poor and the rich, gaining a deeper understanding of the historical perspectives on physical well-being.

Science

• The student may have examined the scientific advancements and technological disparities that affected the lives of the poor and the rich during the Victorian era.
• They may have explored the health and sanitation conditions experienced by individuals from different classes, understanding the impact of scientific developments on living standards and quality of life.
• They may have conducted experiments or investigations related to historical scientific innovations that influenced the experiences of the poor and the wealthy, linking scientific progress to societal disparities.

Social Studies

• The student gained insights into the social structures and power dynamics that shaped the lives of the poor and the wealthy in Victorian England, understanding the influence of class on individuals' opportunities and challenges.
• They may have explored the cultural norms and expectations associated with different classes, recognizing the societal pressures and constraints faced by individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
• They may have engaged in discussions and role-playing scenarios to empathize with the experiences of individuals from the poor and rich classes, fostering a deeper understanding of historical empathy and social dynamics.

One way to continue developing the concepts learned from this activity is to encourage the student to create their own visual or written narratives depicting the daily lives of individuals from the poor and rich classes during the Victorian era. This could involve creating art pieces, writing short stories, or even composing music that reflects the experiences and emotions of individuals from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds. Additionally, exploring virtual tours or historical reenactments of Victorian settings can provide a more immersive experience, enabling the student to further understand the context and realities of the time period.

Book Recommendations

• The Victorian City: Everyday Life in Dickens' London by Judith Flanders: A comprehensive exploration of daily life in Victorian London, encompassing the experiences of both the poor and the wealthy.
• The Other Victorians: A Study of Sexuality and Pornography in Mid-Nineteenth-Century England by Steven Marcus: Provides a unique perspective on the hidden aspects of Victorian society, shedding light on the disparities and taboos related to sexuality and pleasure across different classes.
• How to Be a Victorian: A Dawn-to-Dusk Guide to Victorian Life by Ruth Goodman: Offers a detailed and engaging portrayal of everyday existence in the Victorian era, covering various aspects of life for individuals of different social strata.