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Writing a Historical Fiction Short Story

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Writing a Historical Fiction Short Story Historical Fiction Comic Book 5th Six Weeks Unit As we look back on the past, there are many landmark moments in American history. But, what if you could sit in some whirring, darkened time machine, pull a few levers, and disappear into the past? Historical Fiction can allow you to try to do just that. We will each be writing a historical fiction comic book set during your choice of World War 2 event or battle. Comic books are generally only 6 pages long, have few characters (perhaps only one), cover a short period of time, have minimal wording and have only one setting. Good historical fiction will meet the following criteria: The story is told well and is historically accurate. Characters are realistically portrayed. The setting is authentic. Historical facts are skillfully woven into the graphics. Select an event with which to base your story. Research the background material for your story (This research will be the bulk of your overall research. Ducksters and the Library resources are a fantastic resource—Take advantage of this!) What kind of clothes did people wear during the time period you've selected? How did they speak to one another? What were their surroundings like? Take notes on any aspects you'll need to incorporate into your story. Task # 1: SETTING (Pass in on March 26th). Write a brief description of your setting. You should describe in as detailed a way as possible the physical and social setting of the story. Include details on areas such as: Description of location Clothing Jobs HISTORICAL CHARACTER One of the elements that distinguish Historical Fiction is that it may include actual historical figures as characters. Choose one person from history to include in your story. Draw a picture of this character, with their name, title (job), and one interesting fact about them. Task #2: GRAPHIC STORY ORGANIZER (Get Mrs. Wynn to initial no later than Thursday, March 28th). Complete a graphic story organizer (see available options in class). Task #3: ROUGH DRAFT Putting it all together. (Get Mrs. Wynn to initial no later than Tuesday, April 2nd). Draw a pencil sketch rough draft of your comic strip. You should use previous TASKS 1and 2 to help build the story. If you include dialog, be careful to structure it properly and make it time appropriate. Task #4: (Pass in on Friday, April 5th). Create a final draft to hand in. The final product must include 6 pages (3 front and back), and a blank copy of the Rubric for my use in grading. Checklist for Final Draft _ Conversation between characters in at least one frame. _ Storyline that makes sense with the event and is historically accurate. _ Preface – Cover page with illustrated title frame. 14 fact timeline about the event. _ Hand drawn illustrations and pictures of the historical figures and scenes on each page. Coloring pencils and crayons only! No Markers! Put all work in the following order and staple in the upper left corner: Final Draft, Pencil Sketch, and Blank Copy of Rubric March/April 2019 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 Timeline & Article Review Topic Selection Article Review DUE & Timeline 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 Setting & Story Board DUE Historical Figure DUE 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 RoughDraft Final Draft Sketch DUE DUE 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 STAAR Testing STAAR Testing Historical Comic Strip Grading Rubric CRITERIA SCORE POINTS COMMENTS Storyline Story is easily understandable and has an obvious flow 20 Storyline is original or creative in some way Scene, Character, and Landscapes Landscape and props are directly related to the theme or purpose of the book and enhance understanding of the scene. Captions are related to the scenes and the book, and the connections are easy to understand. 20 Lists all the most important events that occur in the book without revealing the conclusion. The main characters are clearly identified, and their actions and dialogue are well-matched to their actions and dialogue in the book. Written Text Dialogue and caption lettering have consistent height and spacing, and are easy to read Word balloon sizes should be appropriate 20 to the panels; it’s obvious who is saying what, and in what order (they read from top to bottom, left to right) Drawing Accuracy Drawing style of characters remained consistent throughout the story 20 You’ve developed your own unique drawing style that has evolved over time Craftsmanship / Effort Project looks professional, and is free of extra smudges or marks Worked consistently at home— 20 demonstrated good attitude and cooperation Evidence of time spent on assignment Evaluation was thoughtfully filled out Total Points 100.
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