Victorians / Lesson Plan

Objective

By the end of this lesson, Daniella and Alisia will have a clearer understanding of Victorian society, including its culture, inventions, and daily life. They will also be able to identify key figures from this era and discuss how the Victorian period has influenced the modern world.

Materials and Prep

• Paper and colored pencils or markers
• Access to a clock or timer
• Notebook for notes
• Printed images of Victorian inventions, fashion, and architecture (if possible)

Before the lesson, it will be helpful to have a brief overview of the Victorian era (1837-1901), including major events, notable figures like Queen Victoria, and significant inventions from this time period. This will set the stage for the activities and discussions.

Activities

• Victorian Fashion Show:

  Daniella and Alisia can research Victorian clothing styles and then create their own outfits using paper and colored pencils. They can present their designs to each other, explaining what inspired their choices.

• Invention Exploration:

  Each student will choose a Victorian invention (like the telephone or the bicycle) and create a short presentation about it. They’ll share how it changed people's lives during that time and how it is still relevant today.

• Write a Victorian Diary Entry:

  Students will write a diary entry from the perspective of a Victorian child. They can describe their daily life, school, and what they enjoy doing for fun. This will help them connect emotionally with the historical context.

• Victorian Trivia Game:

  Create a trivia game with questions about important events, people, and inventions from the Victorian era. Students can take turns asking questions and keeping score to make it competitive and fun.

Talking Points

• "The Victorian era was named after Queen Victoria, who ruled from 1837 to 1901. Can you imagine being a queen for over 60 years?"
• "During the Victorian period, there were many important inventions, like the steam engine and the telegraph. How do you think these inventions changed the world?"
• "Victorian society was very different from today. Families often had strict roles, and children worked in factories. What do you think about that?"
• "Fashion was a big deal in Victorian times! Women wore long dresses with corsets, while men wore suits. What would you wear if you lived then?"
• "Education became more important during this time, and many children started going to school. What subjects do you think they studied?"
• "The Industrial Revolution happened during the Victorian era, leading to many people moving to cities for jobs. Why do you think that was?"
• "Victorians loved to read, and many famous authors, like Charles Dickens and the Brontë sisters, wrote during this time. Do you have a favorite book or author?"
• "The Victorian era was known for its strict social rules. How do you think those rules affected people's lives?"
• "Victorian architecture is very unique, with lots of detail and decorations. Can you think of any buildings that look similar today?"
• "There were many social changes during the Victorian era, including movements for women's rights. Why do you think that was important?"
• "The Victorian era was a time of great change and innovation. What do you think was the most exciting thing about living then?"
• "Lastly, how do you think the Victorian era has influenced our lives today? Can you see any connections?"