Objective

By the end of this lesson, the student will have a better understanding of the themes, characters, and historical context of "Little Women." They will also engage in creative activities that enhance their appreciation for the story and its relevance to both English literature and American history.

Materials and Prep

• Access to the movie "Little Women" (any version)
• Notebook and pen for notes and reflections
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper) for creative activities
• Access to a computer or tablet for research (optional)
• Knowledge of the Civil War era and its impact on American society (brief overview will be provided)

Activities

• Movie Viewing:

  Watch the movie "Little Women" together. Pause at key moments to discuss the characters and their motivations. Encourage the student to take notes about their favorite scenes and why they resonate.

• Character Journals:

  Have the student choose a character from the movie and create a journal entry from that character's perspective. This can include their thoughts, feelings, and reactions to the events in the story.

• Artistic Expression:

  Ask the student to illustrate a scene from the movie or create a character poster. They can include quotes from the movie that they find inspiring or meaningful.

• Historical Context Discussion:

  Engage in a discussion about the Civil War and how it influenced the lives of women during that period. Use this as a springboard to talk about the role of women in society then and now.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes the March sisters unique? Each of them has different dreams and personalities."
• "How does the setting of the story during the Civil War impact the characters' lives?"
• "Can you relate to any of the struggles the sisters face? How do they deal with challenges?"
• "What are some important themes in 'Little Women'? Think about family, love, and independence."
• "How does the movie portray the idea of growing up? What lessons do the sisters learn?"
• "Which character do you relate to the most, and why?"
• "What role does friendship play in the story? How do the sisters support each other?"
• "Do you think the values shown in 'Little Women' are still relevant today? Why or why not?"
• "What was your favorite scene in the movie? What did it make you feel?"
• "How does the story of 'Little Women' reflect the experiences of women in history?"
• "What do you think Louisa May Alcott wanted us to learn from the March sisters?"
• "If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be?"