Historical Fiction Genre Study Literature Circle Project

This Historical Fiction Genre Study Literature Circle Project is a 41-page resource designed for grades 6th, 7th, and 8th. as a culminating project after a literature circle or book group experience focused on historical fiction. It can be modified for lower or higher grades as well. Working in literature circle groups or book clubs, students will read a historical fiction novel, analyze its characters, plot, author's craft, and historical time period, and present their findings to a small group.

This project introduces students to the genre of historical fiction and helps them understand its importance and significance. By the end of the project, students should have a good understanding of what historical fiction is.

Many students enjoy reading historical fiction, especially if they are learning about the period in their History/Social Studies class.  In addition, if you teach a Language Arts/History Core or plan with a History/Social Studies partner-teacher, this is an excellent resource for both classes and provides students with a different way to engage with history.

Historical fiction is an important genre for students for a several reasons, including making the study of history more engaging and interesting by making history come alive. Students also develop an understanding of how historical periods connect to today. It also provides students opportunities to think critically about the events and people from the past, analyze and interpret historical events, and understand different perspectives. Lastly, by making the past accessible, historical fiction helps students develop empathy, tolerance, and respect because students learn to see history through the eyes of characters from different time periods and cultures 

The Historical Fiction Genre Study Literature Circle Project includes the following:

• 2 ready-to-use lesson plans:

  • Book Browse

  • an interactive and comprehensive Genre Study Lesson Plan with common core standards, objectives, and learning targets

• Book Browse worksheet

• Easy-to-follow Project Directions

• Note Taking Guide

• Note-Taking Chart

• Spoke Diagram worksheet

• Character Chart worksheet

• Sensory Imagery Chart worksheet

• Other Elements Chart worksheet

• Storyboard Directions worksheet

• Presentation Directions

• Rubric for Literature Circle Discussions

• Daily Accountability for Homework and Classwork form

• Self-Evaluation of Historical Fiction Literature Circle

• Group Project Check-off and Grading

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Other Resources You Might Be Interested In:

Book Reports:

• Autobiography/Biography Genre Study Book Report and Speech

• Book into Movie Project: Compare and Contrast Book Report and Essay

• Book Jacket Book Report

• Character Analysis Essay, Gift for a Character Book Report, and Oral Presentation

• Historical Fiction Genre Study Book Report

• Historical Fiction Genre Study Literature Circle Project

• Poetry Book Report

• Mini-Reviews Book Report

• Mystery, Thriller, Horror, and Suspense Genre Study Book Report

• Narrative Nonfiction Genre Study Book Report Project

• Poetry Book Report

• Dystopian. Science Fiction, and Fantasy Genre Study Game Board Project

Reading Units:

Creating Independent Readers in your Middle School Classroom which is available as 1 unit or as individual resources

• Part 1: What We Do When We Read:

• Part 2: Reading Logs, Setting Goals, and Reflection

• Part 3: Summary Writing for Short Stories

• Part 4: Metacognitive Logs: Reading Response

Bonus: How to Set Up An Amazing Classroom Library (without Spending Much Money):

• If you have any questions, please email me at gruenwaldy1@gmail.com