Historical Fiction Stories

This activity combines creative writing with a touch of research. Students weave various human interest stories (marriage, graduation, promotion, move, overcoming a challenge, random act of kindness) into a historic event, innovation, etc.

Preparation

Select a historic event or innovation that students are familiar with. If it is an event, it can be more localized rather than worldwide.

Procedure

1. Elicit from class what they know about the selected event (election of a leader, new innovation, disaster, big sporting event win, etc.). 2. Have students do quick research to learn more about the event (or read a selected article) and mind map the major points related to the event as a class. 3. Let students select a human interest theme to weave into the historic event to create a story set during that event.

Variation

Work with another teacher to make an across-the-curriculum project.

When to Use It

• To have students weave research into creative writing • To practice critical thinking

Level

Skills

Practice

Materials

Copies of the dialogue

Preparation Time

5 minutes for the sample story

Activity Time

10–20 minutes