VSC Standards 1:
Students will learn what makes a fiction story historical and how to
distinguish historical fiction from nonfiction.
They will meet an author of historical fiction and learn about her
research. In addition, they will be
introduced to recommended historical fiction books.
What is historical fiction?
·
How can I find good historical fiction
books?
·
What is the difference between
non-fiction biography and historical fiction?
Time Frame:
2-3 lessons, whole group using books, document camera and web clip of
author interview.
We will begin our study of historical fiction by discussing
students’ prior knowledge of historical fiction. A number of historical fiction books will be
on display for students to see including the following books by the author
Deborah Hopkinson.
Sweet
Clara and the Freedom Quilt, A Band of Angels, Apples to Oregon, The Pioneer Kid, Klondike Summer.
Students will be asked what they know about Abraham
Lincoln. A non-fiction biography of
Abraham Lincoln will be shown and a few facts about him will be discussed (Abe’s Honest Words, by Doreen Rappaport,
Lincoln Through the Lens, by Martin
W. Sandler.)
The book, Abe
Lincoln Crosses a Creek will be read aloud to the class. Now that we have read this book, we will view
an interview with the author, Deborah Hopkinson where she discusses historical
fiction vs. non-fiction.
Deborah
Hopkinson Interview (will show 2
segments of video)
Students will:
·
Recognize the difference between
historical fiction and non-fiction biography.
·
They will learn about how authors
research their topics, find their ideas.
·
Discuss writing own historical fiction
stories.
·
Media specialist will book talk favorite
historical fiction books and allow students to check out books.