The students in Ramona Simons’ freshman English Pre-AP classes took a trip back to 19th century London on Tuesday, Jan. 15 for the concluding project for the novel Great Expectations. Students acted as reporters, questioning other students who portrayed the main characters from the novel.

Simons said the actors had to temporarily become the characters. The students had to analyze the characters’ behavior and speech, and use what they learned in class to gain a deeper understanding of the characters.

“I wanted the character analysis to really reflect that they had insight to the character’s motivations,” Simons said.

Students got into character by dressing as the characters were described in the novel. Other students brought props representing the character or spoke in a British accent.Simons said the costumes and props added to the excitement of the project.

“I loved the girls that dressed up in the wedding dresses for Ms. Havisham’s part,” Simons said. “When the reporters are interviewing the character and the actors are in costume, it enhances the answers.”

Simons said she believes that this project was more enjoyable and hands-on for both her and her students, versus the alternative assignment of a 100 question detailed test over all of the plot and characters.

“When it comes to paper and pencil or doing something like this, I think they enjoy this more,” Simons said. “And it is definitely more engaging. Projects are more engaging for me as well.”