Learning Gig Resources
Historical Fiction as a Genre
This reading introduces students to the key elements of historical fiction, explaining how authors blend real historical events with fictional characters and settings. It focuses on how authors use research to create engaging stories that are accurate to the time period.
The Salem Witch Trials: Fact vs. Fiction
This reading provides a factual overview of the Salem Witch Trials and then analyzes how these events have been represented in literature. It focuses on how authors use historical events to drive the narrative while making adjustments for storytelling purposes.
World War I: The Trenches in Fiction
This reading introduces students to life in the trenches during World War I, examining the physical and emotional toll on soldiers. It then compares these historical realities with fictional representations of trench warfare, highlighting how authors balance fact and fiction in their stories.
The Dust Bowl: A Tale of Survival
This reading focuses on the environmental and economic devastation of the Dust Bowl during the Great Depression, followed by a discussion of how these events are portrayed in historical fiction. Students will analyze how the historical setting influences the actions of characters and heightens the drama of the story.
Project Work (Recommended)
Creating a Historical Fiction Short Story
Students will research a historical event or period and create a short story that weaves historical facts into a fictional narrative with original characters.
1-2 students
Historical Fiction Graphic Novel
Students will create a short graphic novel based on a historical event or era, combining research, illustrations, and storytelling to depict a historically accurate narrative.
1-2 studentsHistorical Fiction: Integrating History into Fiction
This slideshow explores how authors blend historical events with fictional storytelling, ensuring accuracy while crafting engaging narratives.
Historical Fiction
Historical Fiction
A genre combining real historical events with fictional characters and stories.
Historical Setting
Historical Setting
Accurate portrayal of a specific time period’s environment, architecture, clothing, and social customs.
Historical Events in Fiction
Historical Events in Fiction
Real events woven into fictional narratives to show personal impacts on characters.
Fictional Characters in History
Fictional Characters in History
Fictional characters are made to fit the time period’s customs, speech, and beliefs.
Research in Historical Fiction
Research in Historical Fiction
Authors use primary sources like letters, newspapers, and history books to ensure accuracy.
Historical Accuracy
Historical Accuracy
The expectation that authors faithfully depict the historical period, even if parts of the story are fictional.
Balancing Fact and Fiction
Balancing Fact and Fiction
The process authors use to maintain historical accuracy while crafting engaging, fictional narratives.
Emotional Impact in Historical Fiction
Emotional Impact in Historical Fiction
Historical fiction shows the human effect of past events, making history relatable through characters’ experiences.
Universal Themes
Universal Themes
Themes like fear, power, and survival that historical fiction explores, making past events resonate with modern readers.
Historical Empathy
Historical Empathy
The ability to understand and emotionally connect with the experiences of people in the past, often developed through reading historical fiction.
Historical Fiction: Integrating History into Fiction Study Guide
This guide focuses on historical fiction, where authors blend real historical events with fictional characters to create engaging stories. By reviewing these concepts, you'll better understand how writers use history as a backdrop while maintaining the creativity needed for compelling narratives.
Session Schedule
Learning Gigs are self-paced and this schedule is only an aid for a classroom setting.- Watch introductory video: 'Historical Fiction' (YouTube Video)
- Review reading asset: 'Historical Fiction as a Genre'
- Review slideshow: 'Historical Fiction: Integrating History into Fiction' (Slides 1-3)
- Read and discuss: 'The Salem Witch Trials: Fact vs. Fiction'
- Project work: Students begin brainstorming and initial planning for their projects.
- Independent learning: Students start researching their chosen historical themes for the projects.
- Watch video: Group viewing and discussion.
- Review reading asset: 'World War I: The Trenches in Fiction'
- Review slideshow: 'Historical Fiction: Integrating History into Fiction' (Slides 4-6)
- Project work: Time is provided for students to continue working on their projects, focusing on planning and development.
- Independent learning: Students work independently to further develop and refine their projects.
- Review reading asset: 'The Dust Bowl: A Tale of Survival'
- Review slideshow: 'Historical Fiction: Integrating History into Fiction' (Slides 7-10)
- Study guide review: Students go over the study guide to prepare for the assessment.
- Project work: Students use this session to finalize their projects.
- Independent learning: Students continue to complete and polish their projects outside of class.
- Assessment: Students complete their formal assessment.
- Project presentations: Students present their finished projects to the class.
- Discussion: Reflection on how they balanced historical accuracy and creativity in their work.
Session: 1
Introduction to the content, overview of the lesson, and initial readings.
Session: 2
Continued learning with readings and project work.
Session: 3
Final review of materials, study guide, and project work.
Session: 4
Assessment and project presentation.
This Learning Gig development generously funded by Outstanda.