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Title - Introduction to Sci-Fi/Fantasy (Literature Circles)
By - Jennifer Frankola
Primary Subject - Language Arts
Grade Level - 7-9
Aim: What's the difference between Realistic Fiction and Sci-Fi/Fantasy?
Do Now: How would you define "real"? How would you define "imaginary"?
Have the students come up with their own definitions of "real" and "imaginary". Go around the room to check them out. Pass out sentence strips to the best definitions that you read. Have the students write their definitions on these sentence strips (it could be a group effort). Next, have them share out what they came up with. They should then attach these sentence strips to a piece of chart paper. Other students are then asked to copy these definitions. We will use these definitions for the rest of the unit.
Next, pass out an excerpt from "The Martian Chronicles" by Ray Bradbury (or another Sci-Fi/Fantasy short text that is appropriate for your students.) Have the students "actively" read the text once for meaning. On the second try, have them underline aspects of the text that make it "real" or "believable" and circle aspects that make it "imaginary" or "unbelievable".
Have them set up a T-chart. "Realistic Aspects" on the right side and "Imaginary Aspects" on the left side. Let them compile a list of what they have found. Have them turn to a partner and compare lists.
You may want to have them present their T-charts or decorate them if time permits.
Next, explain how in Sci-Fi/Fantasy the reader must "suspend their disbelief" in order to understand the nature of the story or plot. You may want to come up with a definition of the "suspension of disbelief".
For homework, assign Ray Bradbury's short story, "All Summer in a Day" to discuss in the following class. They may answer a few comprehension questions for homework, set up the T-chart again, or re-write the ending. (My students re-wrote the ending, they had a great time doing so.)
Some follow up lessons may include introducing the students to Literature Circles using Sci-Fi or Fantasy books. Be sure to Read-Aloud from a few of them to gather interest. Then have students pick numbers out of a hat in order to pick out the book that they want.
Have fun with this introductory lesson. Sci-Fi/Fantasy can be tough to teach, but if done right, can really hook the kids!
Good Luck! Jen (M.S. 143x, Bronx, NY)
E-Mail Jennifer Frankola!
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