Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Historical Fiction



As a future teacher I have to say historical fiction provides students in today’s class with historical truths. Historical fiction does more than give information to the reader, but it connects the reader to that particular time error. “Historical fiction helps children realize they are not just outsiders looking in on great historical events; it helps them appreciate that everyone plays a role in shaping history (Pg. 209)”. When looking into historical fiction books past and future authors have written offers so much to the students in our classroom. For instance it conveys a sense of life as it was lived, happens to ordinary people, broadens perspectives and helps children understand that the present and future are linked to actions of the past.
One approach I would use when introducing historical fiction to a group of students would be to start off with a Read aloud story. Starting off with a read aloud allows the students to focus on the message the writer is making and how the author comes up with such important information. Some of the stories recommended in the text were Barefoot: Escape on the Underground Railroad, Follow the Drinking Gourd, Sweet Clara and the Freedom Quilt, Liberty Street and Show Way. Depending on the age level of students I am working with accommodations would be made to fit their particular learning needs/style. After reading a book together as a class I would hold a book discussion, having these types of conversations about historical fiction provides an avenue for deep comprehension of text.
Historical fiction can be used all across the curriculum border in areas such as Math, Art, Music, Science and History of course.  ALL of these curricular aims are shaped form historical fiction. For instance history can be taught in art with having the students learn about famous Artist and what contributions they have made to American history. Also with Language arts; having the students learn about the lives of famous authors who are also brought to life in several historical fiction books.

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