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Genres (Classic Victorian Ghost Story) - A Christmas Carol Book Club
Alaina Bell Gao
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(410)
Rising Star
Take a deep dive into the Victorian Christmas traditions that inspire modern celebrations, as you enjoy, discuss, and analyze the structure, characterization, mood, tone, conflict, and themes in Charles Dickens' influential novella.
Class Experience
US Grade 6 - 9
This classic novella continues to shape and influence our Christmas celebrations, but why? Dive deeply into the full story, like never before, and gain an appreciation of the gift Charles Dickens gave the Victorians and us! With a heavy focus on the historical context, you will gain a fuller appreciation of this classic tale and see details that are missing in even the best films and productions. It's become many a play and film but learn to sing the song in its true carol form! Each week,...
8 lessons//8 Weeks
Week 1Lesson 1First Impressions; The Author & His Times; Character Analysis of Scrooge (Stave 1, Pages 7 to 9)Lesson 1 - First Impressions; The Author & His Times; Character Analysis of Scrooge (Stave 1, Pages 7 to 9)Week 2Lesson 2Victorian Britain & Christmas Traditions; Context Clues; Conflict & Atmosphere (Stave 1, Pages 9 to 26)Lesson 2 - Victorian Britain & Christmas Traditions; Context Clues; Conflict & Atmosphere (Stave 1, Pages 9 to 26)Week 3Lesson 3Close Reading for the Struggle Between Belief and Disbelief; Romantic and Realistic Literature; Character Analysis of the Ghost of Christmas Past; Allusions & Scrooge's Childhood (Stave 2, Pages 9 to 26)Lesson 3 - Close Reading for the Struggle Between Belief and Disbelief; Romantic and Realistic Literature; Character Analysis of the Ghost of Christmas Past; Allusions & Scrooge's Childhood (Stave 2, Pages 9 to 26)Week 4Lesson 4Scrooge's Past; Character Comparison of Scrooge and Fezziwig; Simile, Irony & Symbolism; Close Reading of Scrooge's Choices (Stave 2, Pages 35-44)Lesson 4 - Scrooge's Past; Character Comparison of Scrooge and Fezziwig; Simile, Irony & Symbolism; Close Reading of Scrooge's Choices (Stave 2, Pages 35-44)Week 5Lesson 5Tone, Diction, Alliteration, and Mood; Character Analysis of the Ghost of Christmas Present; Father Christmas; Close Reading about the Cratchit Family (Stave 3, Pages 45 to 58)Lesson 5 - Tone, Diction, Alliteration, and Mood; Character Analysis of the Ghost of Christmas Present; Father Christmas; Close Reading about the Cratchit Family (Stave 3, Pages 45 to 58)Week 6Lesson 6Conflicts and the Plot Structure; Atmosphere and Choices; Scrooge's Fears and Changing Attitudes; Irony and Themes (Stave 3, Pages 58 to 63)Lesson 6 - Conflicts and the Plot Structure; Atmosphere and Choices; Scrooge's Fears and Changing Attitudes; Irony and Themes (Stave 3, Pages 58 to 63)Week 7Lesson 7Close Reading about the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come; Fears, Challenges, and Ethics; Irony, Climax, and Themes; Plot Structure (Stave 4, Pages 69 to 84)Lesson 7 - Close Reading about the Ghost of Christmas Yet to Come; Fears, Challenges, and Ethics; Irony, Climax, and Themes; Plot Structure (Stave 4, Pages 69 to 84)Week 8Lesson 8Scrooge's Transformation; Falling Action and Conclusion; The Carol; Themes (Stave 5, Pages 85 to 92)Lesson 8 - Scrooge's Transformation; Falling Action and Conclusion; The Carol; Themes (Stave 5, Pages 85 to 92)
- Students will gain a deeper appreciation of the power of an author's choices as they explore the figurative language, diction, stylistic choices, and structure of this classic novella. They will also learn to recognize and appreciate how much the author's reality shapes and enriches a tale by focusing on the historical context. Along the way, they will also discuss the characterization, tone, mood, allusions, symbolism, and themes.
2 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Homework
Frequency: includedFeedback: includedDetails: There is no reading requirement for the first class, but in the proceeding classes, the students will be asked to complete any reading that we do not complete during the live class. Then, they should write an answer to a focus question and post it in our classroom, as well as respond to their classmates' answers in our classroom. Reading Schedule (In-Class and to be Completed At Home): Lesson 1 - Stave 1, Pages 7-9 Lesson 2 - Stave 1, Pages 9 to 26 Lesson 3 - Stave 2, Pages 27-37 Lesson 4 - Stave 2, Pages 35-44 Lesson 5 - Stave 3, Pages 45 to 58 Lesson 6 - Stave 3, Pages 58 to 63 Lesson 7 - Stave 4, Pages 69 to 84 Lesson 8 - Stave 5, Pages 85 to 92Assessment
Frequency: includedDetails: I assess reading comprehension through our discussions and the learners' projects.Grading
Frequency: includedDetails: Grades/certificates of completion are only offered upon request. Please reach out to me when you sign up. Thanks!
A Christmas Carol is in the public domain and a PDF copy will be provided in our classroom.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Joined January, 2020
4.9
410reviews
Rising Star
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Bachelor's Degree in English from University of Windsor
Associate's Degree in English from Canadian College of Educators
Hi! My name is Alaina Bell Gao, and I am an experienced Canadian English teacher with 15+ years of professional teaching experience. As a dedicated, creative, gentle, and patient neurodivergent teacher, many neurodiverse learners thrive in my...
Reviews
Group Class
$25
weekly or $200 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
50 min
Completed by 6 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 11-15
2-6 learners per class
