• $20

The LitWits Video Workshop on CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY


During our "field trip" through this book's narrative arc, we'll pause to take part in the teamwork, innovation, design, industry, creativity, and other goodies that made Willy Wonka skip for joy. 

Includes video instruction, printables, and a list of inexpensive supplies, plus CCSS alignment for grades 3-6.
Fun "field trips" through classic children's literature - experiential learning from LitWits Workshops
"Ian got so much out of your Charlie  class,  and because of that class I have a child willing to read."  —Daria S.

"Becky and Jenny  . . . make the exploration of each book look like an entertaining adventure that students will be eager to join."
—Read Cathy Duffy's full review!
Candy inventions -  - fun activity for teaching CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Roald Dahl - LitWits Workshops

What we'll do

Once we've shared the concept of the narrative arc, your kids will experiment with chocolate (yes) industrial art, invent their own prototypes, enjoy a "Bucket meal," analyze extremes, write some poetry, talk about important themes, and much more. We'll have have “Buckets” of fun! 

This workshop video (1h 23m) includes pauses for activities, so it can easily provide at least three hours of fun, hands-on learning.

What your child will get

  • An audiovisual introduction to the author
  • Geographical context of story and/or author
  • An overview of the concept of the narrative arc
  • A walk-through of the story’s plot, point by point, pausing every so often to “do what the characters (or author) did,” including:
  • Creative writing
  • Instructions and printables for at least two projects or activities that get kids into the story
  • A fun idea for a straight-from-the-story snack (what we call “BookBites”), often with story packaging
  • Story activity mementos layered with meaning
  • Lifelong benefits:  memories of a great time exploring a great book, and the inspiration to read many more; an influential model of someone who learned how to cope and overcome; and valuable academic lessons.
Online video course with fun activities teaching CHARLIE AND THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY by Roald Dahl - LitWits Workshops
"I love the quote by Stratford Caldecott: "To be enchanted by story is to be granted a deeper insight into reality." I think you are helping kids to do that :). So thank you!! We absolutely cannot wait for you to release your next workshop recording!"

FAQ

What does my child need to do to prepare?

Just read (or listen to) the story before the workshop. We strongly recommend reading purely for enjoyment, with no assignments or learning goals in mind. We'll be sharing the important stuff during the workshop! 

Are abridged versions okay?

Sure! Any abridged version is better than watching the movie. Dramatized or recorded books are fine too--even better, if your child struggles to read. The point is to get the story in his or her head, as effortlessly as possible.

What do I need to do?

Just print the papers and collect the supplies listed in your Prep Packet--we've made them easy to find, and inexpensive. It's perfectly okay to substitute anything that works better for your child's needs or your time and budget.

For extra fun, pack it up as a LitWits Kit! Put the supplies in a box with our welcome note for your child. Kids love the "slow reveal" of opening their kits with us, and taking out each item as needed, one at a time. That's it! We'll take it from there.

Once the workshop starts, you may want to be nearby in case your child needs assistance--that's up to you. (We've tried to make that unnecessary, with simplicity and careful instructions, but you know your child best.) There are also some "pause and think" moments in most workshops, where you might like to engage your child in discussion.

What if my child can't write?

Our writing handout is creative writing, where the imagination matters most. Have your child dictate his or her writing to you; after you've written it down, read it aloud with inflection and enthusiasm, so s/he can hear that their words sound "just like a real writer!"  

Can my child participate in your live Zoom workshop, where you send the supplies?

Of course, if there's room--we'd love to meet him or her in person (two-dimensionally, anyway)! We limit our two sessions to 25 kids each, and the sessions usually sell out fast. Check out our live Zoom schedule here.

Can I get a refund if it doesn't work out?

Yes of course! Just email beckyandjenny@LitWits.com and let us know what could have been better, so we can improve. This is our bread-and-butter, so your feedback literally helps FEED us! :)  
Any other questions? Just ask!  
Ready to sign up?

About the story

Charlie Bucket and his parents and grandparents are so poor they’re weak, but their love for each other is strong. The adults all want Charlie to find one of five golden tickets hidden in a Wonka chocolate bar—a ticket that would admit him to inventor Willy Wonka’s magnificent chocolate factory.  Charlie deserves it--he's naturally good, just like c hocolate!When Charlie finally, miraculously finds a golden ticket, he and Grandpa Joe join four awful children on the factory tour. As it proceeds, those nasty kids get what they deserve--and so does the good kid!    —Read reviews/buy the book on AmazonWe make a small commission on anything you buy through our Amazon affiliate links.

What's most important

In this book, good guys DO finish last-—that's how Charlie ends up the winner! It's so rewarding to see that the meek do inherit the earth, or at least the chocolate! This story and our workshop activities revolve around the message of prevailing goodness—the kind that comes from inside, along with the kind that goes in.