Cultural lesson: Bonfire Night

• Engels
• Middelbare school
• havo, vwo
• Leerjaar 1

 Guy Fawkes night

Today's programme

  

-A bit of English special history: The Gunpowder Plot

- Questions on a video

- A speaking assignment

 

Learning Objective

At the end of the lesson, you will understand the history of Guy Fawkes and the significance of Guy Fawkes Day in British culture.

Introduce the learning objective and set the expectation for the lesson.

Guy Fawkes Day in Modern Britain

Today, Guy Fawkes Day is a mix of historical remembrance, fireworks displays and community gatherings.

Discuss how Guy Fawkes Day is celebrated in modern times, emphasizing its continued significance.

Traditional Food

Traditional food often enjoyed on Guy Fawkes Day includes toffee apples and parkin, a sticky gingerbread cake.

Introduce the concept of traditional food associated with Guy Fawkes Day, highlighting specific examples.

The Penny for the Guy

Children traditionally create a 'Guy' effigy, which they display and ask for donations to buy fireworks.

Explain the tradition of the 'Penny for the Guy', where children create an effigy to collect money for fireworks.

How many people attended the Bonfire Night event in the video?

1. over 2,000
2. over 20,000
3. over 200,000

What time did the procession start?

1. 4 p.m.
2. 6 p.m.
3. 7.45 p.m.

What do people put on the bonfire?

1. rubbish
2. rag dolls called 'Guys'
3. potatoes

What does Leon do?

1. He researches the history of Bonfire Night
2. He organises Bonfire Night processions
3. He organises firework displays

What did the people who were interviewed think of Bonfire Night?

1. They didn't like it
2. Some of them liked it
3. All of them loved it

Key Takeaways

Summarize the main points learned about Guy Fawkes and Guy Fawkes Day.

Revisit the main points covered in the lesson and ensure understanding.

Holidays - Britain & the US

• Mark all holidays in both hand-outs
• Pick one of these holidays to do more research on
• Prepare a small talk on one of the holidays for next lesson. It should take between two to three minutes.
• You can do this alone or in pairs.  

Discussion 

 

In the Netherlands we have fireworks on New Year's Eve. And you have heard about fireworks in England. Do you think we should have fireworkshows too, instead of doing it ourselves?Discuss with your neighbour - come up with two reasons why / why not.

What did you come up with?
2 arguments!

Remembrance Day

Another important day in Britain is 11 November, which is next week. Go online and find out more about the meaning of the poppy.