Lesson Plan Title : Fact or Fiction: Figuring Out Historical Fiction

Age Range: Grade 9 through Grade 12 (High School Level)

Overview and Purpose : Historical fiction often blurs the line between what is fact and what is fiction. In this lesson, students will learn how to recognize which is which through critical thinking and research.

Objective: The student will be able to separate fact from fiction in a historical fiction novel.

Resources:

Reading journal

Activities:

As students read a historical fiction book, have them keep a journal listing which events, places, and characters are historical and which are fictional. If they have doubts, encourage them to research the information on the internet to help them decide. When they finish the book, they should complete a chart listing their findings and the rationale behind their decisions.

Closure:

Have students write their own historical fiction story. Ask them the questions like: If you could travel back in time, which historical era would you choose? Why? What historical events were taking place, during that time? What would your character be like? How would you smoothly inject your character into that particular place and time?