The Fiction Family: Realistic Fiction, Historical Fiction,

Fantasy, and Science FictionChapter 8

"Fiction … must first of all be

good fiction—the exploration in

narrative form of human

experience."Katherine Paterson

Background

Definitions

Elements

• Characterization

• Plot

• Theme

Elements

• Setting

• Style

• Point of View

Awards

Categories

Contemporary Realistic

• Peer relationships

• Family relationships

• Realistic animals

• Adventure and survival

• Humorous

Historical Fiction

• Usually categorized by time period

• Popular eras. . .

Fantasy

• Toys and animals

• Time-shift

• Ghosts and the supernatural

• Stories based on folklore

• Crazy characters

• Unusual worlds

• Heroic fantasy

Fantasy

Science Fiction

• Elements based on scientific theory

• Not currently possible

Series Books

Using Fiction in the Classroom

Censorship

• Protect or teach?

• Plan ahead

Critical Literacy

• New lens

• Talk and action

Author Studies

Drama

Instructional Strategies

Pre-Reading

• Discussions• Anticipation guides• Word sorts• Questionnaires

During Reading

• Character webs and charts• Personal responses • Sketch-to-stretch• Double-entry journals

Post Reading• Writing prequels / sequels• Poetry• Comparing points of view• Creating a timeline

Post Reading• Creating a newspaper• Writing letters or diaries• Gathering artifacts • Media presentations

See the CD-ROM which came with this text for:• Searchable database of children's literature• Author and illustrator profiles• Critical questioning example• Bibliographies

Visit the COMPANION WEBSITE for:• Censorship and intellectual freedom resources • Awards

Creating newspapers

Writing letters

Gathering "artifacts"

Character web

Personal response

Poetry response

Time line (left)

Double-entry journal

Writing prequels or

sequels

Media Presentation

s

Sketch-to-stretch

"Darkness breaks up the pattern and swallows goodness." Colin

Sketch-to-stretch