The word Victorian often conjures up images of inhibited, straight-laced, and tight-lipped British nobility dripping in lace and finery. However, many scholars recognize the Victorian period as one rich in advancements, culture, and entertainment as well. Challenge learners under your tutelage to see the Victorian period in a more balanced perspective with some of these fun projects...
VICTORIAN ENTERTAINMENT
Students might enjoy researching different types of ninteenth century entertainment like the Dickinsonian Christmas traditions, the "magic lantern shows" or the many seasonal festivals, but wouldn't they rather participate? Have the entire class research one aspect of one of the prominent Victorian celebrations and work together to stage one in the classroom!
GUILD WITHOUT GUILT
Victorian decor was highly ornate, often featuring wooden pieces covered in gold-leaf [guilded] . Gold-leaf is fairly easy to apply, with kits available at hobby and craft stores. Why not collect $4 or $5 per student, pick up gold leaf kits, small wooden or plastic picture frames inexpensively at a dollar store along with some silk rosebuds and glue to make Victorianesque frames to hold school pictures for a lovely gift for Mother's Day?
OR, try setting up an "occasional table," a popular decor in Victorian homes, in a corner of the classroom. Let students [or pairs of students] volunteer to decorate it on a theme of their choice. The "occasional table" was a seasonal display of collectables pertaining to a theme. For example, a Victorian home might have a small square or round table decorated in an ocean motiff. The table might be covered in a blue table cloth with a carved wooden sailboat, an assortment of sea shells, a captain's hat, a lantern and compass, and some knotted rope.
PRIMLY PARODIED
Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland for a favorite nephew who was stuck in bed as a result of a severe illness. The rollicking adventure parodies popular social conventions of Victorian times like tea time and social etiquette, Victorian nursery rhymes and songs, and the monarchy [strong Queen and a weak king] . Research Victorian society and then read Alice in Wonderland or watch the animated video version. See if students can pick out the parodies..."twinkle, twinkle little bat. How I wonder where you're at..." or "How doth the little crocodile...".
SHARE THE WEALTH
Study the climate of social reform prevalent in Victoria's England. Many students are surprised to learn that The Salvation Army got its start in Victorian England. Research the work of William Booth and the Christian Mission [as The Salvation was known at its conception in London in 1865] , then visit a Salvation Army near you. Students might enjoy gathering unwanted items to take with them as a "class donation." Many high school aged students enjoy a day of shopping at The Salvation Army for vintage 70's clothing and accesories!
Students might enjoy researching different types of ninteenth century entertainment like the Dickinsonian Christmas traditions, the "magic lantern shows" or the many seasonal festivals, but wouldn't they rather participate? Have the entire class research one aspect of one of the prominent Victorian celebrations and work together to stage one in the classroom!
Victorian decor was highly ornate, often featuring wooden pieces covered in gold-leaf [guilded] . Gold-leaf is fairly easy to apply, with kits available at hobby and craft stores. Why not collect $4 or $5 per student, pick up gold leaf kits, small wooden or plastic picture frames inexpensively at a dollar store along with some silk rosebuds and glue to make Victorianesque frames to hold school pictures for a lovely gift for Mother's Day?
OR, try setting up an "occasional table," a popular decor in Victorian homes, in a corner of the classroom. Let students [or pairs of students] volunteer to decorate it on a theme of their choice. The "occasional table" was a seasonal display of collectables pertaining to a theme. For example, a Victorian home might have a small square or round table decorated in an ocean motiff. The table might be covered in a blue table cloth with a carved wooden sailboat, an assortment of sea shells, a captain's hat, a lantern and compass, and some knotted rope.
Lewis Carroll wrote Alice in Wonderland for a favorite nephew who was stuck in bed as a result of a severe illness. The rollicking adventure parodies popular social conventions of Victorian times like tea time and social etiquette, Victorian nursery rhymes and songs, and the monarchy [strong Queen and a weak king] . Research Victorian society and then read Alice in Wonderland or watch the animated video version. See if students can pick out the parodies..."twinkle, twinkle little bat. How I wonder where you're at..." or "How doth the little crocodile...".
Study the climate of social reform prevalent in Victoria's England. Many students are surprised to learn that The Salvation Army got its start in Victorian England. Research the work of William Booth and the Christian Mission [as The Salvation was known at its conception in London in 1865] , then visit a Salvation Army near you. Students might enjoy gathering unwanted items to take with them as a "class donation." Many high school aged students enjoy a day of shopping at The Salvation Army for vintage 70's clothing and accesories!
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