A Christmas Carol

Use this activity to engage all types of learners, while requiring that they refer to and incorporate details from the text over the course of the activity.

“Let’s Plan a Victorian Party”

In this activity, students research the history of Victorian social gatherings, including music, card games, and food. Then the class plans a Victorian celebration and compares the details to those in the text.

In A Christmas Carol, Dickens highlights the value of shared communal celebrations through Fred’s family Christmas Day dinner and Fezziwig’s annual holiday party. Review these scenes in the novella and note the specific elements that make up a traditional Victorian part. For example, what time of day is the gathering? What do they eat and drink? What other activities do they engage in at the party?

Next, work in a small group to research a particular element of Victorian celebrations. Choose or be assigned one of the following topics: music, card games, food.

• Once you have received your group assignment, research your topic. Remember to keep track of where you get your information and take clear, detailed notes. Use a 3-column graphic organizer (with the headings Information, Source, and Page) to record your findings and keep track of your sources.