Free Online resources For Teachers and Bookk Clubs

“The Tales OF charles Dickens”
On MASTERPIECE CLASSIC in 2009 on PBS. No one does Dickens like PBS’s MASTERPIECE, which has been airing lavish, magnificently acted works by the incomparable author for most of the four-decade history of the series.
And no one offers teachers and reading groups better resources than MASTERPIECE— all free of charge and available online. Last year, teachers and book clubs across the
country turned to MASTERPIECE for resources for “The Complete Jane Austen.” Now these engaging, innovative materials are available for “The Tales of Charles Dickens,”
back-to-back adaptations of four of the master storyteller’s greatest novels. “The Tales of Charles Dickens” began in February with a bold new adaptation of Oliver Twist, followed by David Copperfield, Little Dorrit, and The Old Curiosity Shop.
For classrooms, The Masterpiece Guide to Teaching Charles Dickens, featuring provocative discussion questions and interactive activities, can be found only on the MASTERPIECE Web site.
Book clubs need go no further than the online Masterpiece Dickens Book & Film Club. This compendium of handy information, insightful discussion questions, and fun activities is the perfect tool for small or large reading groups in any setting. A unique—and delicious—
Dickens feature will be provided by Marilynn and Sheila Brass, authors of the popular “Heirloom Cooking” and “Heirloom Baking” cookbooks. The Brass sisters will offer a typical 19th-century menu that is a far cry from Dickensian gruel.

To help you plan for your curriculum or book group, here’s the schedule for MASTERPIECE CLASSIC’s “The Tales of Charles Dickens.”
Oliver Twist – February 15 and 22 at 9pm on PBS
A young orphan is branded as a rebel for wanting more gruel, leading to a phantasmagoria of adventures in early 19th century London
David Copperfield – March 15 and 22 at 9pm on PBS
Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter) stars as young David Copperfield in Charles Dickens’ coming-of-age story based on episodes from his own life.
Little Dorrit – March 29 through April 26 at 9pm on PBS
Screenwriter Andrew Davies (Pride and Prejudice) adapts Charles Dickens’ most moving love story, which also has the timely theme of chronic debt and financial collapse.
The Old Curiosity Shop – May 3 at 9pm on PBS
A teenage girl and her grandfather lose everything to a maniacal moneylender and flee his relentless pursuit. The saga of Little Nell, Grandfather, and their tormentor, Daniel Quilp, is one of Charles Dickens’ most heartrending tales.