Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist'
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can understand the context of 'Oliver Twist'.
Key learning points
- Oliver Twist is set in Victorian England.
- Charles Dickens is a key author for our cultural heritage; ‘Oliver Twist’ is considered a children’s literature classic.
- During Victorian England, there was widespread poverty and living conditions for the poor were harsh.
- Dickens’ early experiences influenced his writing and made him care about injustice.
- Adapting a text can mean changing some parts of the story based on the target audience and new format.
Keywords
Adaptation - An adaptation is when an original story has been changed to fit into a different form or format.
Workhouse - A workhouse in Victorian society was a harsh place where poor people, including children, had to work hard in exchange for food and shelter.
Injustice - Injustice is when people don't get the same rights, opportunities or treatment as others, even though they should.
Impression - An impression refers to initial feelings about a person, place or thing, gained from reading a text.
Common misconception
Pupils may think that life for all Victorians was positive.
Depending on social class, life was very different. There was a big divide between rich and poor, with many people living in poverty.
Teacher tip
You may wish to explore texts that focus on Charles Dickens' life to support pupils in making links between author and text. Before the following lesson, read Chapters 2-3. Children can read independently or have this read to them.
Equipment
You need a copy of the 2014 Oxford University Press edition of ‘Oliver Twist’ written by Geraldine McCaughrean, illustrated by Jeff Anderson, for this lesson.
Content guidance
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of sensitive content
Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.True or False? An illustrated chapter book contains text and illustrations.
Q2.Match the following words to their antonym.
Q3.What does it mean to ration something?
Q4.What is the most suitable definition of the term injustice
Q5.What is a suitable definition of an adapted text?
Q6.Which of the following would you likely find in Victorian society?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.When was Charles Dickens born?
Q2.When did Charles Dickens die?
Q3.Match the keywords to their definition.
Q4.Where does Oliver's mother give birth?
Q5.True or False? This version of 'Oliver Twist' is written by Charles Dickens.
Q6.What are some likely impressions that readers might make about Oliver.
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 5 English lesson on: Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist', download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 English lessons from the 'Oliver Twist': reading unit, dive into the full primary English curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.