NOVELS IN THE CLASSROOM – J.L. PANAGOPOULOS
Author@prodigy.net
The use of well researched Historical Fiction in the classroom can make history "come alive" for students. Fictional details "fill in" the gaps of history, breathing life into the "dusty old bones" of another period of time. Students will soon begin to see history, not as a parade of events, but an ongoing, growing process in which they and their ancestor had a part.
Refer to the new Grade Level Content Sheet for Social Studies!
Laying the Groundwork
Discuss and define with your students the basics of "Story" the common elements all stories must possess: Character, Setting, Problem/Solution, and Events.
Discuss the book cover, what does the cover tell them about the story? Can they find the illustrator’s name? What does the title tell them about the story? What clues are on the book cover?
While Reading (Reserve a blog with me or join a group blog for my books, email me for more information: Author@prodigy.net )
Have students keep a reading journal, write down interesting words from the story and questions they might like to ask the author if they ever had the chance.
What time period does the story take place? Introduce a perpetual calendar to the students and have them check the time period in history against a Time Line.
Have students make a character list and write information about each character. Have them draw a picture of the characters. Ask students what character they most relate to and why.
Have students follow the locations in the story with a map or on GoogleEarth.com. Have any students been to these sites?
Have students replace glossary bold words in the story with modern words.
About the Author (Check out my websites newadventuresinwriting.com or JLpanagopoulos.com for interview information or FAQ & Bio. sheets.)
Why do you think the author picked this subject or time period to write about?
How do you think the author chose the title or chapter headings?
What do they think was the author’s most favorite part of the story? Why?
After Reading
Have students email a question to me at Author@prodigy.net
Lead your students on a historical treasure hunt. Hide clues in your room, schoolyard, historical park, museum.
Have a guest from you local Historical Society visit.
Visit a local or online museum with collections from the period they read about.
Dress up, prepare historical foods or play historical games in your classroom.
Participate in an IP Video author visit or A.S.K. program.
Author@prodigy.net – www.newadventuresinwriting.com – www.jlpanagopoulos.com