I love presenting workshops to teachers. They’re interested in learning, enthusiastic about new possibilities, and excited to share. I always come away with something new. Last week I met with Springfield (OR) teachers. We were exploring the topic of faction (nonfiction – more on this term soon). Here’s an interesting idea I heard from teacher Debbie Knapp.
Authors writing fiction need to do research to make sure the contextual parts of their books are accurate. Think Charlotte’s Web and the information about spiders that E.B. White included. Accuracy is especially important in historical fiction, where incorrect facts will spread misinformation as well as detract from the story (e.g. colonists using rifles, watching TV in the early 20th century, etc.).
The next time your students read historical fiction, invite them to challenge any facts used in the book. Have them research the facts to verify accuracy, share their findings with the class, and the author (if alive) if a mistake is found. Authors interested in portraying the truth will be grateful for the feedback.
Suggested books:
The Laura Ingalls Wilder books
Number the Stars (Lowry)
Sarah, Plain and Tall (MacLachlan)
Johnny Tremain (Forbes)
Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Taylor)
Bud, Not Buddy (Curtis)
Sign of the Beaver (Speare)
Chains (Anderson)
The Whipping Boy (Fleischman)
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