Jacque Schawe Chapter 10 Historical Fiction Due November 1, 2008 jacques said This is my second favorite chapter to read so far in the literature book. The historical fiction books bring the past alive to us by the using the events of the past that have happened in certain time periods. I agree with the author in that it makes the students aware of what we have done in the past and also brings and understanding of their own heritage. These stories really deal with people in that people have different values, beliefs, hardships, and good times that each of us go through. Historical fiction really brings on a chance to learn about different human relationships as well. The plot, characters, setting, and style really help tell the story as well. I have always enjoyed reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books as well as the Salem Witchcraft stories as well. I also feel that by reading about the different wars from the civil war to the Great Depression that we can step in ourselves and see what it was really like for the people back then.
I'm a biggie when it comes to history, rather it is fiction of non-fiction. I prefer non-fiction, however children, I agree, are able to find an understanding of "what we have done in the past and also brings an understanding of their own heritage." as well as, the heritage of others and of our country. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE is a wonderful series for younger kids and maybe THE WHITE INDIAN series for the Jr. High, High school age.
This chapter discusses the subject of historical fiction. It talks about what makes up an historical fiction book, how to evalusate it and talks about the different books that quailfy under this genre. Historical fiction means that the characters, plot, and setting should represent what is known about that time period but it still remains fiction.
When I was young, my Mother read a lot of "The Little House On The Prairie". I loved these books and continue to read them to my children. It is interesting to see what this family went through during this time period and how they lived so differently from how we live today. I think it gives us a sense of appreciation for what we have now. Especially when young people read these types of books. They might be more thankful for what they have!
I think that the historical fiction books are a win win for young people because they can learn some history and things of the past while they read instead of just fantasy books all the time. Children are able to learn about those time periods and what happened back then!
History is a subject that I loved in school, mainly because it never changes (ha ha). I believe that historical fiction is a great way to teach kids elements of the past while keeping their imagination entertained. I've always agreed with the saying, "you can't know who you are and where you're going until you know where you came from." I'm sure that is not the exact quote but it fits the bill.
I think Jaques hit on an interesting note. Books about The Great Depression, could really come in handy today. Our economy is the worst it's been since the great depression. Maybe I need to read some of those books so that I realize it could be worse.
I really enjoyed reading Chapter 10. I think all parts of history are so important and useful for students today – encompassing history within literature is a great way to pass the information onto students. Often, older students find history boring or irrelevant to their life; younger students have a hard time connecting to the information. With historical fiction, all students can relate to the characters of a story… rather than just facts or dates. I think historical fiction should definitely be used in the classroom.
As a student myself, I remember reading Sarah Plain & Tall and all of the Little House on the Prairie books – growing up in Kansas, I felt like I could have easily been a part of those stories. That’s what historical fiction can do for students… they learn about what has happened in the world before them and are able to experience things they will never actually be a part of.
Laura - You made a good point that historical fiction helps us appreciate what we have. I think that's an important lesson for students today because we do have so much compared to people in the past - students should be aware and grateful for the luxuries of today.
Reply to Sarah S. From jacques I also like Sarah Plain and Tall and also Little House on the Prairie books with Laura Ingalls Wilder, because I was raised on the farm and could relate to some of the things that they did. We invented a great deal of games outside to play and also had to do a great deal of chores as well. I also agree that these books are great eye opener for students of all ages.
Well I think I am on the opposing end so far. History is not one of my strong points or something I enjoy reading about. However, I do have to say that this class has opened my eyes to a better appreciation on the literature. I have learned may things just from our Literature Circle discussion on the Great Depression and have more of an appreciation on Historical Fiction books and their value to young readers. The text again gives great application ideas. I particularly enjoyed the idea of turning the class into newspaper reporters. It's a great idea I'll have to incorporate as a teacher.
You make excellent points on why historical fiction books are so relevent in teaching. I really agree and learned a ton myself through the books I explored this semester.
Historical fition is quite fascinating because it allows the author the ability to make history fun and relative. You can teach somebody something about a certain time-period by having them read about a character.
This genre is possibly the most educational that kids will actually enjoy reading.
It is quite challenging to be historically accurate and write a compelling fictional story.
Historical Fiction is one of the best genres for teaching children history, in my opinion. I find that the authors, who have done extensive research in a subject area be it the person, time, or place, make it easy for us as teachers to teach on subjects regardless of our passion. If we can take and use certain books and couple it with our creativity, we have an excellent history lesson for our students. I found it very interesting to read about Salem’s witches in this chapter as I remember as a girl studying about them in 5th or 6th grade and then taking a trip to a wax museum in Salem MA. This is similar to how the chapter describes “books on the move”. I really like the idea of having students set this up within our classrooms. Empowering students to dive into their learning is a wonderful enriching path to understanding history (and fun!). Knowing that students need to have a background of the history being taught, I would still dare to say that historical fiction books are so much more “alive” to students then texts regarding the same subject matter.
"you can't know who you are and where you're going until you know where you came from."
I love this and couldn't agree more!! The more we know about our pasts, the more we know about ourselves and then the better people we are and can be for others.
In response to Linda: I think I am a "biggie" when it comes to history too! I love teaching (and learning) about Colonial America. I have used a great book called "Sarah Morton: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl" (and there is a boy version too, "Samuel Eaton"). We planned out a literal day and went through some of the things they would have done and even used some of the vocabulary that they used. It was really a lot of fun and helped my students get a real feel for what life was like back then. A lot like what you say about "Little House". I am not familiar with "The White Indian" but am grateful for the tip! Thank you! :)
As I explained earlier in my reply to Jacque, I really enjoy history. I was so bad at it in high school that I kept failing and having to take it over and over again. I finally got interested and found a whole new world. Historical fiction is something I have not been into before because it wasn't true, just the way's, why's, and why for's were true. This has brought me to again find a whole new world of excitement.
18 comments:
Jacque Schawe
Chapter 10 Historical Fiction
Due November 1, 2008
jacques said
This is my second favorite chapter to read so far in the literature book. The historical fiction books bring the past alive to us by the using the events of the past that have happened in certain time periods. I agree with the author in that it makes the students aware of what we have done in the past and also brings and understanding of their own heritage. These stories really deal with people in that people have different values, beliefs, hardships, and good times that each of us go through. Historical fiction really brings on a chance to learn about different human relationships as well. The plot, characters, setting, and style really help tell the story as well. I have always enjoyed reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books as well as the Salem Witchcraft stories as well. I also feel that by reading about the different wars from the civil war to the Great Depression that we can step in ourselves and see what it was really like for the people back then.
I'm a biggie when it comes to history, rather it is fiction of non-fiction. I prefer non-fiction, however children, I agree, are able to find an understanding of "what we have done in the past and also brings an understanding of their own heritage." as well as, the heritage of others and of our country. LITTLE HOUSE ON THE PRAIRIE is a wonderful series for younger kids and maybe THE WHITE INDIAN series for the Jr. High, High school age.
Laura Tawater
Chapter 10
Historical Fiction
This chapter discusses the subject of historical fiction. It talks about what makes up an historical fiction book, how to evalusate it and talks about the different books that quailfy under this genre. Historical fiction means that the characters, plot, and setting should represent what is known about that time period but it still remains fiction.
When I was young, my Mother read a lot of "The Little House On The Prairie". I loved these books and continue to read them to my children. It is interesting to see what this family went through during this time period and how they lived so differently from how we live today. I think it gives us a sense of appreciation for what we have now. Especially when young people read these types of books. They might be more thankful for what they have!
Response to jacques:
I think that the historical fiction books are a win win for young people because they can learn some history and things of the past while they read instead of just fantasy books all the time. Children are able to learn about those time periods and what happened back then!
History is a subject that I loved in school, mainly because it never changes (ha ha). I believe that historical fiction is a great way to teach kids elements of the past while keeping their imagination entertained. I've always agreed with the saying, "you can't know who you are and where you're going until you know where you came from." I'm sure that is not the exact quote but it fits the bill.
I think Jaques hit on an interesting note. Books about The Great Depression, could really come in handy today. Our economy is the worst it's been since the great depression. Maybe I need to read some of those books so that I realize it could be worse.
I really enjoyed reading Chapter 10. I think all parts of history are so important and useful for students today – encompassing history within literature is a great way to pass the information onto students. Often, older students find history boring or irrelevant to their life; younger students have a hard time connecting to the information. With historical fiction, all students can relate to the characters of a story… rather than just facts or dates. I think historical fiction should definitely be used in the classroom.
As a student myself, I remember reading Sarah Plain & Tall and all of the Little House on the Prairie books – growing up in Kansas, I felt like I could have easily been a part of those stories. That’s what historical fiction can do for students… they learn about what has happened in the world before them and are able to experience things they will never actually be a part of.
Laura - You made a good point that historical fiction helps us appreciate what we have. I think that's an important lesson for students today because we do have so much compared to people in the past - students should be aware and grateful for the luxuries of today.
Reply to Sarah S.
From jacques
I also like Sarah Plain and Tall and also Little House on the Prairie books with Laura Ingalls Wilder, because I was raised on the farm and could relate to some of the things that they did. We invented a great deal of games outside to play and also had to do a great deal of chores as well. I also agree that these books are great eye opener for students of all ages.
Well I think I am on the opposing end so far. History is not one of my strong points or something I enjoy reading about. However, I do have to say that this class has opened my eyes to a better appreciation on the literature. I have learned may things just from our Literature Circle discussion on the Great Depression and have more of an appreciation on Historical Fiction books and their value to young readers. The text again gives great application ideas. I particularly enjoyed the idea of turning the class into newspaper reporters. It's a great idea I'll have to incorporate as a teacher.
n response to SarahS
You make excellent points on why historical fiction books are so relevent in teaching. I really agree and learned a ton myself through the books I explored this semester.
**Sorry I had a typo in the first post
Historical fition is quite fascinating because it allows the author the ability to make history fun and relative. You can teach somebody something about a certain time-period by having them read about a character.
This genre is possibly the most educational that kids will actually enjoy reading.
It is quite challenging to be historically accurate and write a compelling fictional story.
Tara, I can't believe that you don't enjoy history It may be my favorite subject. I'm glad that you have learned to appreciate it, though.
Chapter 10- Blog
Historical Fiction is one of the best genres for teaching children history, in my opinion. I find that the authors, who have done extensive research in a subject area be it the person, time, or place, make it easy for us as teachers to teach on subjects regardless of our passion. If we can take and use certain books and couple it with our creativity, we have an excellent history lesson for our students. I found it very interesting to read about Salem’s witches in this chapter as I remember as a girl studying about them in 5th or 6th grade and then taking a trip to a wax museum in Salem MA. This is similar to how the chapter describes “books on the move”. I really like the idea of having students set this up within our classrooms. Empowering students to dive into their learning is a wonderful enriching path to understanding history (and fun!). Knowing that students need to have a background of the history being taught, I would still dare to say that historical fiction books are so much more “alive” to students then texts regarding the same subject matter.
In response to Benjamin:
"you can't know who you are and where you're going until you know where you came from."
I love this and couldn't agree more!! The more we know about our pasts, the more we know about ourselves and then the better people we are and can be for others.
In response to Linda:
I think I am a "biggie" when it comes to history too! I love teaching (and learning) about Colonial America. I have used a great book called "Sarah Morton: A Day in the Life of a Pilgrim Girl" (and there is a boy version too, "Samuel Eaton"). We planned out a literal day and went through some of the things they would have done and even used some of the vocabulary that they used. It was really a lot of fun and helped my students get a real feel for what life was like back then. A lot like what you say about "Little House". I am not familiar with "The White Indian" but am grateful for the tip! Thank you! :)
As I explained earlier in my reply to Jacque, I really enjoy history. I was so bad at it in high school that I kept failing and having to take it over and over again. I finally got interested and found a whole new world. Historical fiction is something I have not been into before because it wasn't true, just the way's, why's, and why for's were true. This has brought me to again find a whole new world of excitement.
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