A Christmas Carol - Old Joe's - teaching resource

A Christmas Carol – Old Joe’s

(2 lessons, 32-slide editable PowerPoint with 17 worksheets)

This two-lesson resource explores Dickens’ presentation of the scene in Old Joe’s in Stave Four of A Christmas Carol. The 32-slide fully editable PowerPoint and 17 accompanying worksheets guide learners through a close analysis of the passage while developing their understanding of Dickens’ themes, characterisation, and social commentary.

Learners will read from “They left the busy scene…” down to “Ha, ha, ha!”, examining how Dickens presents the atmosphere, dialogue, and symbolism within this key moment of the novella.

Lesson One introduces the context of the Victorian slums, helping students understand the social and economic conditions that underpin the scene. Through a differentiated Do Now retrieval task, learners recall key ideas and prepare for a deeper analysis of the extract.

Lesson Two focuses on a close reading of the passage, encouraging students to explore Dickens’ language choices and the role of Old Joe and the other characters in highlighting Scrooge’s legacy. Learners also complete a visual hexagon activity to analyse the consequences of Scrooge’s past actions and decisions, linking them to Dickens’ wider themes.

Suggested answers are included for all tasks, making the resource ideal for classroom teaching, intervention, revision, or exam preparation.

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A Christmas Carol

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