Chapter 6

Chapter 6: Modern Fantasy

Modern Fantasy can be classified into two categories: low fantasy and high fantasy. Low fantasy stories take place in the real world but magical elements make them impossible. Books in the low fantasy category include Charlotte's web and The tale of Peter Rabbit. Both of these stories include talking animals, which make them impossible to be real stories, even though they take place in the real world. High fantasy takes information and experiences from the real world and projects them into an "other world." Some examples to high fantasy are The lord of the Rings and The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe. The worlds in these books (Middle earth and Narina) are magical "other worlds" created by the authors.

In my opinion, Modern Fantasy is a genre that many children enjoy. I personally enjoy reading modern fantasy. Fantasy books can teach children ideas that would otherwise be difficult to convey to young readers.

Here are a few Modern Fantasy themes:
Animal Fantasy
Dreams
Fairies
Fantasy
Ghoasts
Good & Evil
Heroes/Superheros
Supernatural
Toys
Witches
Time Travel

Activity

Modern Fantasy can be created with a good imagination and some key words to get started. Each student will be given a worksheet with the words WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE and WHY on it. This exercise will get them started writing their own story.

As they use thie imaginations the will answer questions associated with the guide words. For example;

WHO are the most important people or characters?

WHAT is the problem or what went wrong ?

WHEN did it happen?

WHERE did it happen?

WHY did they do what they did in the story which has been created?

Writing an original story will give the students a chance to create their own adventure that they will love.They can enhance this writing project by letting their characters take on extraordinary characteristics like flying, turning different colors, disapearing in thin air and becoming an animal or other form of life. Imagination is the key to staying interested and if these students stay interested they will want to read and write more.

     

Chapter 8

Chapter 8: Historical Fiction

In this chapter, we learn about historical fiction, like the genre of fantasy, it creates another world that has strong connections to our own world. Historical fiction 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. As stated in the book, “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)

In my opinion, I believe historical fiction is something that should be taught. It 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.

 

 
 

 

Chapter 10

Chapter 10: Nonfiction: Biographies and Informational Books

In this chapter, we focus on the foundation of nonfiction, which is truth. Nonfiction has come a long way over the years from the dry facts to interesting information we can use in everyday life. Nonfiction is the literature of fact consisting of biographies and information books that revolve around the social and scientific world. Nonfiction can benefit the students in our classroom in six major different ways, as stated in our textbook:
1. It offers a key to success in later schooling
2. It is ubiquitous in the larger society
3. It is the preferred reading material for some children
4. It addresses children's interest and questions
5. It builds knowledge of the natural and social world
6. it includes many important text features.  

In my opinion, I believe nonfiction books should also be a top priority in the classroom for many different reasons. We can use these books to benefit the classroom, as listed above. Also I believe promoting information through interesting nonfiction books can capture my audiences attention by reading these nonfiction books that can relate to the subject. There are many different projects and activities that you can use on nonfictions books. These can give teachers the opportunity to challenge the students and to build and interest in nonfiction books, as well.