The Prince and the Pauper

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As students begin to understand fiction and nonfiction, I introduce the genre of historical fiction, which includes examples of both. Some elements of the story are factual, while others are fabricated in order for authors to import certain themes into the tale. This unit includes activities that can be used to help students understand the pieces of this puzzle.

OBJECTIVE
Students Will:

1. Identify the elements of historical fiction.
2. Learn about historical accounts from the Renaissance Period of English culture.
3. Work in twos to produce and present a multimedia presentation for classmates.
4. Read aloud and/or perform a simplified version of Mark Twain's novel The Prince and the Pauper.

LESSONS FOR THIS UNIT
Lesson 1: Pre-Reading Preparation
Lesson 2: Enjoying the Adventure

REPRODUCIBLES
Culminating Project (PDF)
Culminating Project Rubric (PDF)
Pre-Reading Project Options/Sign-Up Sheet (PDF)
Pre-Reading Project Rubric (PDF)
The Prince and the Pauper (PDF)
Center Rubric (PDF)
Center Slips (PDF)
New Ending Form (PDF)

CULMINATING ACTIVITY

Producing a Response Activity

Students will respond to The Prince and the Pauper by choosing a culminating project from the Culminating Project printable. This project can be used in addition to, or in place of, a unit test. As always, this depends on your learners and their needs. If you wish, use the rubric as an assessment tool.

SUPPORTING BOOKS

Books for Teaching Historical Fiction

Responses to Literature: Be A Theme Park Designer!
Suggests fun and lively lessons where student apply reading, writing, research, and teamwork skills towards creating a Literature Land Theme Park.

Working Together As a Team
Turn the tables and let our class govern itself. In this unit exercise, students appoint leaders and write their own constitution.

ARTICLE	Harlem Renaissance: After Midnight By 1927, Harlem's throbbing nightlife had become a magnet for thrill seekers from way beyond the black community.
LESSON PLAN	Pre-Reading Preparation Recommends a lesson on the English Renaissance Period. Students read a piece of historical fiction, research assigned topics, and conduct multimedia...