Oliver Twist / Lesson Plan

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Objective

By the end of this lesson, Daniella and Alisia will have a better understanding of the story of Oliver Twist, its main characters, and the historical context in which it was written. They will also engage in fun activities that help them connect with the themes of the story.

Materials and Prep

  • Paper and colored pencils or markers
  • A comfortable reading area
  • Access to a printed or digital version of a summary of Oliver Twist
  • Basic knowledge about the Victorian era (optional but helpful)

Activities

  • Character Drawing: Daniella and Alisia will draw their favorite character from Oliver Twist. They can think about what the character looks like and what makes them special. After drawing, they can share their artwork and explain why they chose that character.

  • Story Mapping: Using a large sheet of paper, the girls can create a story map that outlines the main events in Oliver Twist. They can use pictures, words, or a mix of both to show what happens in the beginning, middle, and end of the story.

  • Victorian Life Discussion: Have a chat about what life was like during the Victorian era. Daniella and Alisia can imagine what it would be like to live in that time and share their thoughts on how it compares to their lives today.

  • Act It Out: Choose a scene from Oliver Twist and act it out together. This can be a fun way to understand the emotions and actions of the characters. They can even create their own short dialogue for the scene!

Talking Points

  • "What do you think makes Oliver Twist such a special character? Can you relate to him in any way?"
  • "Why do you think Charles Dickens wrote this story? What message do you think he wanted to share?"
  • "How do you think the life of a child in the Victorian era compares to your life today?"
  • "Can you name any other characters in the story? What are their roles?"
  • "What was your favorite part of the story? Why did you like it?"
  • "How does Oliver show bravery throughout the story? Can you think of a time when you had to be brave?"
  • "What do you think would happen if Oliver had made different choices? How would that change the story?"
  • "What lessons can we learn from Oliver Twist that we can use in our own lives?"