Historical Fiction with 8th graders
Hello - I am an 8th grade math teacher who also "tries" to teach reading. We need to cover historical fiction with our 8th graders this year. I am looking for anyone who has an ideas, suggestions, or good ideas that would help us get started. Any help is appreciated!!!
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Ben Stafford on
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Night by Elie Wiesel
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Permalink Reply by Peter Lane on
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In California, I beleive, "Night" is a high school text... which can create problems if you teach it in 8th grade and the high school you feed into plans on using later. I know -- if it is worthwhile it certainly can be done more than once -- however, the high school my students feed into disagree with the idea me teaching Greek myths on a regular basis as it encrouches on their "curriculum." Who knew you could teach too much mythology to students who despise reading?...
I suggest you work with the 8th grade history teachers to determine if they have a set of books on hand that would supplement what they will teaching. You can also use the American Library Association which has lists o...
I used to teach 8th grade history so I have some specific ideas (and resources) if you are interested.
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Permalink Reply by Amy Brey on
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I would love to hear your specific ideas/resources. I am the 8th grade history teacher as well. We cover early exploration to the American Revolution and then spend a semester on government. Everything I've reaseached has great ideas for the Civil war, but we don't cover that time any more.
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Sorry it took so long to get back to you... Here are some novels you can use: My Brother Sam is Dead, Johnny Tremain, and, depending how far in to the 1800's you go, Slave Dancer . All three books earned multiple awards and have tons of teaching materials available to go along with them.
I have used My Brother Sam is Dead more than once and have been looking for the materials I left for others to use. Unfortunately, too many generations of teachers have passed through and a lot of things have been moved to locations I can't find. :( I'll be meeting with one of the history teachers tomorrow and see what I can find...
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Permalink Reply by Lisa DiGangi on
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What historical eras do your students study in 8th grade?
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We cover early exploration to the American Revolution and then spend a semester on government.
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The Children's Story by James Clavell (govt)
Nothing but the Truth by Avi (govt)
Fever, 1793 by Laurie Halse Anderson (Revolution & New Nation)
Several books by Walter Dean Myers & Gary Paulson address American History
Ann Rinaldi books are popular with female students (multiple historical eras - Colonial Era > Civil War).
Dear Ellen Bee by Lyons and Branch (Civil War)
Pink and Say by Patricia Polacco (Civil War- a children's picture book & definitely worth a read -for students and adults)
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I agree with using Gary Paulsen - his Francis Tucket series is phenomenal. There is a book called George Washington's Socks, which gives a good insight into the American Revolution.
I would suggest once you have introduced historical fiction, opening it up for students to select books in that genre that are at their independent reading level to read. Providing choice is important. You could allow students to choose the era, if you'd like, and then select books within that era. It would be fun to have them provide book talks about their books once they've read them, to hook others into wanting to read them. Increasing reading ability requires practice, practice practice. All the more reading, the better. I am excited about your endeavors. :)
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