Reflection
This week in Teaching Children's Literature we analyzed Historical Fiction. Historical fiction is a balance of fact and imagination that engages students while allowing them to make connections to the past. In that way, children are able to better understand important historical events, as well as make emotional connections to the struggles that have characterized the human condition for centuries. Human interdependence is highlighted in the universality of historical fiction themes. Historical fiction also encourages higher-level thinking as students consider the conflicting views of life before their existence while considering and making judgments on past mistakes. Proper historical fiction is accurate and authentic with the cultural norms and settings of the stories. The spirit and values of the time should also be reflected. Language should be given particular attention. Historical fiction allows for integration of social studies, humanities and history into the language arts curriculum. I fell in love with the picturebook Wagons Ho! for its' proper historical context and connection to modern life. I believe the novel would be of great benefit to be used in the classroom, and students would enjoy seeing the similarities between the past and present. Particularly, the book could help students who are experiencing anxiety about moving. The use of historical fiction in the classroom is a vital part of a well-rounded education, and a brilliant way to engage students in history.
Resources
Kiefer, B., & Tyson, C. (2014). Picturebooks. In Charlotte Huck's children's literature: A brief guide (Second ed.). New York, New York: McGraw-Hill.
Hallowell, G., & Holub, J. (2011). Wagons ho! Chicago, IL: Albert Whitman.
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