New
New
Year 5

Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist'

I can understand the context of 'Oliver Twist'.

New
New
Year 5

Introducing the context of 'Oliver Twist'

I can understand the context of 'Oliver Twist'.

Lesson details

Key learning points

  1. Oliver Twist is set in Victorian England.
  2. Charles Dickens is a key author for our cultural heritage; ‘Oliver Twist’ is considered a children’s literature classic.
  3. During Victorian England, there was widespread poverty and living conditions for the poor were harsh.
  4. Dickens’ early experiences influenced his writing and made him care about injustice.
  5. Adapting a text can mean changing some parts of the story based on the target audience and new format.

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.

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.

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.
Teacher tip

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 violence or suffering

Supervision

Adult supervision recommended

Licence

This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).

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6 Questions

Q1.
True or False? An illustrated chapter book contains text and illustrations.
Correct Answer: True, true
Q2.
Match the following words to their antonym.
Correct Answer:rich,poor

poor

Correct Answer:happy,sad

sad

Correct Answer:love,hate

hate

Q3.
What does it mean to ration something?
taking something that doesn't belong to you
wanting more than what's fair or needed
Correct answer: limiting what people can have to make sure there's enough for everyone
Q4.
What is the most suitable definition of the term injustice
being friendly and helpful to others
Correct answer: when someone is treated unfairly or not given the same chances as others
always telling the truth, even when it's hard
Q5.
What is a suitable definition of an adapted text?
converting text from one language to another while preserving the meaning
Correct answer: when an original story has been changed to fit into a different form or format
a longer fictional text with illustrations to support understanding
Q6.
Which of the following would you likely find in Victorian society?
Correct answer: Gas lighting
Electrical lighting
Correct answer: Printing press (e.g. newspapers)
Internet

6 Questions

Q1.
When was Charles Dickens born?
1712
Correct answer: 1812
1912
2012
Q2.
When did Charles Dickens die?
1670
1770
Correct answer: 1870
1970
Q3.
Match the keywords to their definition.
Correct Answer:adaptation,when an original story has been changed to fit a different form

when an original story has been changed to fit a different form

Correct Answer:workhouse,a harsh place where poor people, including children, had to work hard

a harsh place where poor people, including children, had to work hard

Correct Answer:injustice,when people don't get the same rights or treatment as others

when people don't get the same rights or treatment as others

Q4.
Where does Oliver's mother give birth?
a hospital
Correct answer: a workhouse
at home
Q5.
True or False? This version of 'Oliver Twist' is written by Charles Dickens.
Correct Answer: False, false
Q6.
What are some likely impressions that readers might make about Oliver.
Correct answer: Oliver has had a tough childhood
Oliver has had a positive childhood, full of happiness
Oliver has been treated well by carers
Correct answer: Oliver has been treated badly by carers