One of the best ways to truly understand and appreciate a book is to immerse yourself in it—not just by reading the words but by stepping into the world of its characters. Imagine what it would be like to live in their shoes, feel their emotions, and experience their daily lives. This is exactly what students at our school are doing as they bring their literature books to life by dressing up as the characters and even eating the meals they would.
For Year 6, who are currently reading The Railway Children, the focus is on capturing the spirit of the Edwardian era. The story takes readers on an adventure of three siblings—Roberta, Peter, and Phyllis—who find themselves living in the countryside after their father is wrongfully imprisoned. To fully understand the world they inhabit, students are encouraged to dress up as the characters, donning Victorian-style clothing and accessories. The magic truly happens when they sit down to share a picnic of classic Edwardian fare, like cucumber sandwiches and jam tarts, just like the children in the story. It’s one thing to read about a picnic by the railway; it’s another to eat one yourself.
For Year 9, the whimsical and adventurous world of Gulliver’s Travels is brought to life. Jonathan Swift’s satirical novel takes readers to strange lands where Gulliver encounters tiny people, giants, and talking horses. Year 9 students dive deep into the themes of exploration and the clash of cultures as they step into the shoes of their characters. They may don costumes that reflect the bizarre lands and fantastical characters from the book. One of the more fun elements of their experience involves eating foods inspired by the lands of Lilliput and Brobdingnag. Miniature portions for the Lilliputians, or gigantic feasts for Gulliver himself, allow students to physically connect with the characters’ experiences in a way that no textbook could.
Meanwhile, Year 10 students, who are studying the ever-popular Pride and Prejudice, get a taste of Regency England. This classic novel by Jane Austen is filled with witty dialogue, social dilemmas, and romance. By dressing as characters such as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, students can step back in time to an era of elegant balls, strict social codes, and sumptuous meals. For a truly immersive experience, students might enjoy the dishes served at an English dinner party—roast meats, delicate pastries, and perhaps even a glass of sherry. It’s a fantastic way to connect with the novel’s themes of social class, family, and courtship.
But why is this kind of engagement so valuable?
Literature comes alive when students connect with it on a personal level, and dressing up and eating the same foods as the characters does just that. It transforms the classroom into a living, breathing world. It allows students to see the history, culture, and emotions of the characters in a tangible way. Instead of just reading about their experiences, they’re living them. They can better understand the context of a scene when they’ve worn the clothes or eaten the same foods. This is experiential learning at its best.
This activity also fosters creativity, as students get the chance to design their costumes or help create a meal inspired by the books they are studying. They collaborate with one another, bringing their ideas to life in a way that connects with both the material and each other. It’s an opportunity for students to show off their understanding of the story, not just through written assignments but through creative expression.
As we continue to explore literature in new and exciting ways, let’s celebrate how we can bring books alive—not just through words, but through the power of imagination, taste, and creativity. By stepping into the shoes of the characters we read about, we gain a deeper appreciation of their world and, ultimately, our own. So, whether you’re picnicking by the railway or dining like a Regency aristocrat, the story doesn’t end with the final page. It continues as we live it, taste it, and wear it ourselves.
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