Modern fantasy is not a new concept in our modern times. It is arguably one of the most popular genres and is favored by children and adults alike. One of the key elements that modern fantasy must have is the ability for it to suspend the belief of its reader. The reader must believe for example that they are in a world where people never age and can fly. The reader must believe that the characters are going to have a consistent view point that is going to be accurately developed. There must still be a theme and a point of view in set. A lot of creativity is allowed with regards to the setting since it presents strange and exotic worlds but, there is a word of caution; even in a world of fantasy there must be rules. The same way the real world has rules the fantasy world must have rules of its own in order for the readers to be able to follow along and comprehend what is taking place in the book. A great method of engaging a reader in a modern fantasy book is to start them off in a world that is similar to theirs in some aspect and then make the transition to the fantasy world.
While they may be popular they are also controversial since many modern fantasy books contain religious and occult overtones that have been a target of debate. There are also powerful messages conveyed in some modern fantasy books like growing up robs a person of their innocence as conveyed in Peter Pan. There is diverse base of modern fantasy sub-genres to choose from but, the most popular include articulate animals like Stuart Little, toys such as Pinocchio, preposterous characters and situations such as Shrek, and little people.
My favorite sub-genre has always been the ever popular science fiction genre and time warps. Science fiction allows students to usually focus on technology that modifies the world they are currently living in where as time warps can take students either to time past or times yet to come. Modern fantasy has many applications in the classroom. The idea of students designing a futuristic city where they had to incorporate some energy conserving elements was an excellent way to bridge what students were reading to their learning.
One assignment I did to help bridge what my students were learning and reading to their lives was I had them all design a slave advertisement. They had to write 4 paragraphs, the first described the slave's name and where they have been missing from, the second described the slave's appearance, the third described the slave's behavior, and the fourth described why the slave is needed back. We then played a game called "name that slave" where I gave all students minutes to look at the advertisements much the same way bounty hunters in the past did and then they had to figure out what slave I was talking about from my reading. If they figured the correct slave out they were able to "whip" that person and receive money that they had to design to pay their bounty price. If they could not catch the slave then the slave escaped to freedom and received extra recess. It was truly an interesting time warp we all had.
Modern Fantasy is created when the author alters one or more characteristics of everyday reality. New worlds may be created or everyday characters may have extraordinary experiences in the real world. I believe that this is one of the most popular genres for readers, young and old. The interest is escaping to another unknown world to experience almost unbelievable adventure is very appealing to many people. J.R.R. Tolkien’s and J.K. Rowling’s popularity proves this to be true.
The chapter states that in order for a book to be acceptable, it must suspend disbelief in plot, characterization, and setting and it must have a universal theme. It goes on to say that modern fantasy stories are direct descendants of folktales, myths, and legends or the oral tradition. Many modern fantasy stories use talking animals, supernatural beings, heroic adventures, and magical realms as do the other genres. One of my favorite books that was mentioned in the chapter was The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. These adventures were my early introduction into modern fantasy and I can vividly recall the stories even still today. I have not joined the masses of people who have enjoyed the Harry Potter series. I have not had, or have not taken the time, to read the series because I honestly did not feel it would appeal to me. I was never a fan of Alice in Wonderland or Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The only true series of modern fantasy books that I really enjoyed were the books of The Left Behind Series by Jenkins and LeHaye. These are graphic novels, but I feel they have some connection to the modern fantasy genre. This is one genre that I have little interest in even though I know I should become more acquainted with it in order to integrate it into the classroom.
I think an activity to try with the kids would be for them to create their own fantasy worlds. Children can be very creative and design the world, the characters, and the story. This could be done over an extended time period so that they would not have to rush the projects. Perhaps creating their stories and worlds using the computers would be a great way to increase creativity and of course technology assists with the artistic part of the project.
Gregg-You are going to have to explain the assignment you mentioned further. I do not understand the connection between it and modern fantasy! What was the age group you did this with and what were you reading at the time? Tell me more please. Wasn't this a little contorversial?
It was not controversial at all and the students really got to step into the shoes of a slave. The age range of the kids was at least 10-11 year olds with a few 12year olds. The students had to pretend to be a slave master writing an advertisement for a runaway slave. Then they had to submit their advertisements to me and I would allow everyone to read the slave advertisements. Then I would read them out loud and the students would have to try and figure out whose slave I am talking about.
For example lets say if Student A described his slave as tall and dark and I read "the slave is tall and dark" the kids would have to try and guess whose slave I was talking about. If they figured out that I was referring to Student A's slave then he would get "whip" (soft chops on the hand) and if we could not figure it out then he would have attained his "freedom" extra recess.
In the kid's writing they had to describe their name, the slave's appearance, the slave's behavior, and why they needed the slave back. The paragraph that described why they needed the slave back is for the kids to see that even though we all agree that slavery was disgusting and was an affront to man and God the slave owners felt they had good reasons to want slavery to continue. The kids really wanted their extra recess; that allowed them to feel to some measure how the slaves really wanted their freedom.
Afterwards, we performed other lessons as well such as comparing the economic growth of the south vs. the north during slavery and the north, because of its more racially diverse workforce, was faring much better than the south. The assignment is one of the few my kids remember and at the time several of my fellow teachers asked to implement the same assignment in thier class and enjoyed it.
Computer and video console games such as the Sims is very popular among children and adults alike. These simulation games allow people to create their own worlds, characters, stories, and plots and then watch it unfold. They have recently started making them with various themes such as the "Sims Soap Opera". It would be nice as you mentioned to allow children access to a computer program, preferably one that allows for simulation, and have them devise their own worlds. This would also allow children the opportunity to show their understanding of plot, setting, theme, characterization, and sequence. They could follow the chain of events listed in our unit literature such as the hero receives a quest, is afraid, embarks on the quest, and so forth or add their own creativity to the unfolding of the story. All of this sounds fun typing so I could imagine how much a child would such an activity if implemented properly.
I have never been a big fan of fantasy literature. To me, I have not found it appealing, mostly because I could never read it and root the story in realism -- make it something I could connect to. In reading this chapter, I discovered that this is the single, most important point of concern for a fantasy author.
I began to change my tune when I saw my first Harry Potter movie, and quickly devoured the book. The same happened with the Chronicles of Narnia. I think in both of these cases, I tended to believe a fantastical story because the true story was about relationships and common problems that we all face -- but with magic and talking animals and flying!
I never realized that there were so many sub-genres of fantasy literature, either. I had obliquely lumped them all into one category, but now realize that there are mythical journey stories (Lord of the Rings), high fantasy (Harry Potter), talking animals (Peter Rabbit), etc. It is also funny that when I think of fantasy, I typically only think of magic and aliens. But, consider books like Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte's Web, and Alice and Wonderland to not be of that genre. I think it is so interesting that I could accept a girl falling down a rabbit hole as a possiblity as a girl, and ignore fantasy as a whole as an adult.
I was glad that I had the opportunity to read this chapter, if for no other reason that to set myself straight about the genre. After clearing up many of the misconceptions I had about fantasy, I think I made a bad selection in my Reading Log! And, I feel like my entire perspective has changed. Reading good fantasy with an open mind, is as rewarding as reading realistic fiction or non-fiction -- if you let it be!
As a side note, isn't it so interesting that, as children, we are so much more open-minded to possibility?
Gregg, I agree with you about simulation games. Things like The Sims and Second Life are a great way of constructing your own story. You create the settings, the characters, and the plot! What an interesting perspective, and a great idea for a learning tool. Thanks!
My favorite books to read are modern fantasy, such as Eragon and the Harry Potter series. The factor that draws most people to fantasy is the use of realism in the books as well. because these books have the real world involved it makes the books seem like they could almost be real.
in reaction to raechelb. I agree that it is really important and interesting to learn how to teach this type of book in the classroom because they can be difficult for younger students to understand
9 comments:
Modern fantasy is not a new concept in our modern times. It is arguably one of the most popular genres and is favored by children and adults alike. One of the key elements that modern fantasy must have is the ability for it to suspend the belief of its reader. The reader must believe for example that they are in a world where people never age and can fly. The reader must believe that the characters are going to have a consistent view point that is going to be accurately developed. There must still be a theme and a point of view in set. A lot of creativity is allowed with regards to the setting since it presents strange and exotic worlds but, there is a word of caution; even in a world of fantasy there must be rules. The same way the real world has rules the fantasy world must have rules of its own in order for the readers to be able to follow along and comprehend what is taking place in the book. A great method of engaging a reader in a modern fantasy book is to start them off in a world that is similar to theirs in some aspect and then make the transition to the fantasy world.
While they may be popular they are also controversial since many modern fantasy books contain religious and occult overtones that have been a target of debate. There are also powerful messages conveyed in some modern fantasy books like growing up robs a person of their innocence as conveyed in Peter Pan. There is diverse base of modern fantasy sub-genres to choose from but, the most popular include articulate animals like Stuart Little, toys such as Pinocchio, preposterous characters and situations such as Shrek, and little people.
My favorite sub-genre has always been the ever popular science fiction genre and time warps. Science fiction allows students to usually focus on technology that modifies the world they are currently living in where as time warps can take students either to time past or times yet to come. Modern fantasy has many applications in the classroom. The idea of students designing a futuristic city where they had to incorporate some energy conserving elements was an excellent way to bridge what students were reading to their learning.
One assignment I did to help bridge what my students were learning and reading to their lives was I had them all design a slave advertisement. They had to write 4 paragraphs, the first described the slave's name and where they have been missing from, the second described the slave's appearance, the third described the slave's behavior, and the fourth described why the slave is needed back. We then played a game called "name that slave" where I gave all students minutes to look at the advertisements much the same way bounty hunters in the past did and then they had to figure out what slave I was talking about from my reading. If they figured the correct slave out they were able to "whip" that person and receive money that they had to design to pay their bounty price. If they could not catch the slave then the slave escaped to freedom and received extra recess. It was truly an interesting time warp we all had.
Linda Smith
Modern Fantasy is created when the author alters one or more characteristics of everyday reality. New worlds may be created or everyday characters may have extraordinary experiences in the real world. I believe that this is one of the most popular genres for readers, young and old. The interest is escaping to another unknown world to experience almost unbelievable adventure is very appealing to many people. J.R.R. Tolkien’s and J.K. Rowling’s popularity proves this to be true.
The chapter states that in order for a book to be acceptable, it must suspend disbelief in plot, characterization, and setting and it must have a universal theme. It goes on to say that modern fantasy stories are direct descendants of folktales, myths, and legends or the oral tradition. Many modern fantasy stories use talking animals, supernatural beings, heroic adventures, and magical realms as do the other genres.
One of my favorite books that was mentioned in the chapter was The Mouse and the Motorcycle by Beverly Cleary. These adventures were my early introduction into modern fantasy and I can vividly recall the stories even still today. I have not joined the masses of people who have enjoyed the Harry Potter series. I have not had, or have not taken the time, to read the series because I honestly did not feel it would appeal to me. I was never a fan of Alice in Wonderland or Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings. The only true series of modern fantasy books that I really enjoyed were the books of The Left Behind Series by Jenkins and LeHaye. These are graphic novels, but I feel they have some connection to the modern fantasy genre. This is one genre that I have little interest in even though I know I should become more acquainted with it in order to integrate it into the classroom.
I think an activity to try with the kids would be for them to create their own fantasy worlds. Children can be very creative and design the world, the characters, and the story. This could be done over an extended time period so that they would not have to rush the projects. Perhaps creating their stories and worlds using the computers would be a great way to increase creativity and of course technology assists with the artistic part of the project.
Gregg-You are going to have to explain the assignment you mentioned further. I do not understand the connection between it and modern fantasy! What was the age group you did this with and what were you reading at the time? Tell me more please. Wasn't this a little contorversial?
Linda,
It was not controversial at all and the students really got to step into the shoes of a slave. The age range of the kids was at least 10-11 year olds with a few 12year olds. The students had to pretend to be a slave master writing an advertisement for a runaway slave. Then they had to submit their advertisements to me and I would allow everyone to read the slave advertisements. Then I would read them out loud and the students would have to try and figure out whose slave I am talking about.
For example lets say if Student A described his slave as tall and dark and I read "the slave is tall and dark" the kids would have to try and guess whose slave I was talking about. If they figured out that I was referring to Student A's slave then he would get "whip" (soft chops on the hand) and if we could not figure it out then he would have attained his "freedom" extra recess.
In the kid's writing they had to describe their name, the slave's appearance, the slave's behavior, and why they needed the slave back. The paragraph that described why they needed the slave back is for the kids to see that even though we all agree that slavery was disgusting and was an affront to man and God the slave owners felt they had good reasons to want slavery to continue. The kids really wanted their extra recess; that allowed them to feel to some measure how the slaves really wanted their freedom.
Afterwards, we performed other lessons as well such as comparing the economic growth of the south vs. the north during slavery and the north, because of its more racially diverse workforce, was faring much better than the south. The assignment is one of the few my kids remember and at the time several of my fellow teachers asked to implement the same assignment in thier class and enjoyed it.
I hope that clears it up for you.
Linda,
Also, it does have a connection to modern fantasy since the kids and I went through a make believe time warp back to the US prior to the Civil War.
Gregg
Linda,
Computer and video console games such as the Sims is very popular among children and adults alike. These simulation games allow people to create their own worlds, characters, stories, and plots and then watch it unfold. They have recently started making them with various themes such as the "Sims Soap Opera". It would be nice as you mentioned to allow children access to a computer program, preferably one that allows for simulation, and have them devise their own worlds. This would also allow children the opportunity to show their understanding of plot, setting, theme, characterization, and sequence. They could follow the chain of events listed in our unit literature such as the hero receives a quest, is afraid, embarks on the quest, and so forth or add their own creativity to the unfolding of the story. All of this sounds fun typing so I could imagine how much a child would such an activity if implemented properly.
Gregg
I have never been a big fan of fantasy literature. To me, I have not found it appealing, mostly because I could never read it and root the story in realism -- make it something I could connect to. In reading this chapter, I discovered that this is the single, most important point of concern for a fantasy author.
I began to change my tune when I saw my first Harry Potter movie, and quickly devoured the book. The same happened with the Chronicles of Narnia. I think in both of these cases, I tended to believe a fantastical story because the true story was about relationships and common problems that we all face -- but with magic and talking animals and flying!
I never realized that there were so many sub-genres of fantasy literature, either. I had obliquely lumped them all into one category, but now realize that there are mythical journey stories (Lord of the Rings), high fantasy (Harry Potter), talking animals (Peter Rabbit), etc. It is also funny that when I think of fantasy, I typically only think of magic and aliens. But, consider books like Winnie the Pooh, Charlotte's Web, and Alice and Wonderland to not be of that genre. I think it is so interesting that I could accept a girl falling down a rabbit hole as a possiblity as a girl, and ignore fantasy as a whole as an adult.
I was glad that I had the opportunity to read this chapter, if for no other reason that to set myself straight about the genre. After clearing up many of the misconceptions I had about fantasy, I think I made a bad selection in my Reading Log! And, I feel like my entire perspective has changed. Reading good fantasy with an open mind, is as rewarding as reading realistic fiction or non-fiction -- if you let it be!
As a side note, isn't it so interesting that, as children, we are so much more open-minded to possibility?
Gregg,
I agree with you about simulation games. Things like The Sims and Second Life are a great way of constructing your own story. You create the settings, the characters, and the plot! What an interesting perspective, and a great idea for a learning tool. Thanks!
My favorite books to read are modern fantasy, such as Eragon and the Harry Potter series. The factor that draws most people to fantasy is the use of realism in the books as well. because these books have the real world involved it makes the books seem like they could almost be real.
in reaction to raechelb.
I agree that it is really important and interesting to learn how to teach this type of book in the classroom because they can be difficult for younger students to understand
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