My child went to see Les Miserables in person

Art

• The child observed the set design and costumes of Les Miserables, noting the use of color, texture, and props.
• They learned about the importance of visual elements in conveying emotions and setting the mood of a performance.
• The child may have gained inspiration for their own art projects and learned about the collaborative process of creating visual art for a production.

English Language Arts

• The child experienced the power of storytelling through the musical's plot, characters, and dialogue.
• They may have developed their comprehension skills by following the storyline and understanding complex themes.
• Attending the live performance enriched their vocabulary and exposed them to different writing styles.
• The child could analyze the adaptation of the original novel into a musical and discuss the choices made by the creative team.

History

• The child learned about the historical setting of Les Miserables, which takes place during the French Revolution.
• They gained insight into the social and political context of the time period, including the struggle for equality and justice.
• The child might have a better understanding of the impact of historical events on individuals and society.

Music

• Attending the live performance exposed the child to a range of musical styles, such as solos, duets, and ensemble numbers.
• They learned about the importance of music in storytelling and conveying emotions.
• The child may have developed an appreciation for live musical performances and gained exposure to different vocal techniques.

Social Studies

• The child witnessed the portrayal of social issues and inequalities in Les Miserables, which can spark discussions on topics like poverty, revolution, and class struggle.
• They gained empathy and understanding for the experiences of people from different social backgrounds.
• The child might have learned about the importance of activism and standing up for justice.

Continued development can include encouraging the child to create their own artwork inspired by the themes and scenes of Les Miserables. They can also explore other musicals or historical events to further enhance their understanding and appreciation of art, language, history, music, and social studies. Additionally, discussing the production with the child and asking open-ended questions can deepen their critical thinking skills and provide an opportunity for reflection.

Book Recommendations

• Victor Hugo: A Biography by Graham Robb: This book provides insights into the life of Victor Hugo, the author of Les Miserables, and the historical context in which he wrote the novel.
• The Story of the French Revolution by Katharine Ross: This book introduces young readers to the French Revolution, the backdrop for Les Miserables, in an engaging and accessible way.
• The Composer Is Dead by Lemony Snicket, illustrated by Carson Ellis: Although not directly related to Les Miserables, this humorous and clever book introduces children to the world of musical instruments and orchestra, expanding their understanding of music as an art form.