Although the text of the novel might be intimidating, a little forethought and planning can make this unit interesting for students. The following ideas work best with 8th-9th grade students, but can be adapted for other grade levels. Teachers will have to do a little leg work to ensure that the discussion of the novel generates critical thinking. The goal is to give students opportunities to excel through diverse assessment options.
Set the Tone to Generate Active Response to Reading
Research has been done on the impact of classroom atmosphere on student motivation. If the teacher is excited about the topic, chances are the students are more likely to be inspired. A teacher can get his/her students involved in setting the stage for discussing Great Expectations. Encourage creative presentations on Victorian times and culture. Create a list of research topics that will help students relate to Dickens’ original audience. Students can present as “experts” on chosen topics relating to Victorian England. Student produced props, posters and charts can be used to decorate the classroom for the duration of the Great Expectations unit.
After the research projects are done and the class has a grasp on the historical context of the novel, assign reading groups of 3-4 students. Create question packets that students will use for homework assignments and in-class discussion of chapters. Have teens move their seats into small group circles throughout the classroom for discussion of critical thinking questions from assigned readings.
Inspire Discussion
Explain that many of Dickens’ novels were written in installments for a periodical, and people would discuss the chapters like modern Americans chat about an episode of their favorite television series. Most Victorian homes were equipped with fireplaces. Create the ambiance of a fireside chat in the classroom by constructing a fake fireplace and arrange group work tables around it. (Sometimes artistic students will do this project for the teacher.) The classroom fireplace can be made easily from cardboard, glue and construction paper.
Assign chapters for homework and have students work on discussion packets in class, first in their small groups and then in whole class discussion. The discussion packet forms the notes for future quizzes and writing assignments.
Creating the Discussion Packet
Make sure that the guided questions invoke critical thinking. It is also appropriate to include vocabulary lists. Make pointed references to literary elements and rules of grammar in the homework packet. Teaching a classic novel is an opportunity to incorporate all of these lessons. Encourage critical thinking by forming questions that make students look for rules of grammar and literary elements within the text of a chapter. Reward enthusiasm by giving extra credit for extra research!
A Fun End-of-Unit Creative Assessment
In addition to teaching critical essay development and designing an essay test at the culmination of the novel, it is fun and appropriate to give an additional test grade for creative student performances of scenes from the novel. The discussion groups formed at the beginning of the unit can pick and plan out a skit of one scene or chapter from Great Expectations. Students can work on building miniature “sets” for their skit, and create costumes as homework activities. Do a lesson on writing dialogue and make the written skits part of the group project grade.
Utilize Technology in the Classroom
Consider video taping the performances. Fill a bulletin board with digital pictures of the students' skits. Homemade Academy Awards can be distributed in addition to group grades for this project.
These ideas will make reading Great Expectations a memorable experience for teens. Creating a classroom environment that is interesting generates enthusiasm for learning. Student centered group work and projects gives teens a sense of choice, which in turn, leads to enjoyment of the novel.
