Curricula
in the primary grades have not typically included the formal study of history.This
is partly due to the belief that young children have difficulty with the
concept of how time develops.Recently
we have come to understand that the teaching of history through narrative,
or story, can provide a temporal scaffold for understanding history.Children
and adults are more likely to remember and process historical information
when it comes in the style of a good story.Historical
fiction can draw students into seeing history as a meaningful subject.
History
textbooks have not traditionally been effective in helping children make
meaningful personal connection with the past.There
are simply too many facts to cover.How
we define history may also influence our teaching.If
history is the story of people, many times the people are missing.Also
missing are varying historical perspectives.
WHAT
MAKES GOOD HISTORICAL FICTION??????
1.
Accuracy - do not skirt the truth, revise or avoid topics
2.
Events, places and facts need to be historically accurate
3.
Making the time period realistic by re-creating the physical environment,
patterns of daily living and spirit of the time.
4.
Reveal the time period through the eyes of a young protagonist
5.
Avoid too much attention the the historical detail
6.
Reveal beliefs and values accurate to the time period
7.
Reveal language accurate to the time period (controversy)
8.
Worthwhile theme
Values
of Historical Fiction
1.
Relive the past vicariously
2.
Deepen the understanding of our heritage
3.
Gain knowledge about the people, values, beliefs, hardships and physical
surroundings common to various time periods
4.
Visualize the sweep of history
5.
Empathize with viewpoints that are different
6.
Develops a deeper understanding of time and how we all fit into society
7.
Develop lifelong positive reading habits