Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - Learning Sequence

The learning sequence for 'Charlie and the Chocolate Factory' is a comprehensive unit overview spanning six weeks, designed to delve into the characters, plot, and themes of the classic tale. In the first week, students read the opening chapters, discussing the grandparents' view of Mr Wonka and forming initial impressions of his character. As they progress through weeks two and three, they analyse the character of Veruca Salt, explore Charlie Bucket's deep desire to visit the chocolate factory, and reflect on his disappointment through 'show and tell' activities. The unit encourages students to dissect their first impressions of Violet Beauregarde and Mike Teavee, and to empathise with Charlie's life circumstances and his elation upon finding the golden ticket. A 'role on the wall' activity helps students to visualise Charlie's character traits and emotions.

During weeks four to six, the sequence continues with thought-provoking discussions on other key characters, such as Augustus Gloop and the Oompa Loompas, and encourages students to consider the consequences faced by the children in the story. Students engage in creative writing, drafting persuasive advertisements, and crafting dialogue that reflects the personalities and voices of the characters. They explore the sensory descriptions of the chocolate room and utilise language linked to the senses in their own writing. The unit culminates in an in-depth analysis of the novel's themes and writing techniques, with students tasked with finding textual evidence to support their insights. For the final project, they are invited to write a new chapter for the book, imagining a future where Charlie is now running the factory, drawing on Roald Dahl's distinctive style to create a narrative that is both original and true to the original work.