Length
50-60 minutes
Curriculum Standards
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.3
Analyze the impact of the author's choices regarding how to develop and relate elements of a story or drama (e.g., where a story is set, how the action is ordered, how the characters are introduced and developed).
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.5
Analyze how an author's choices concerning how to structure specific parts of a text (e.g., the choice of where to begin or end a story, the choice to provide a comedic or tragic resolution) contribute to its overall structure and meaning as well as its aesthetic impact.
- CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.9
Demonstrate knowledge of eighteenth-, nineteenth- and early-twentieth-century foundational works of American literature, including how two or more texts from the same period treat similar themes or topics.
Key Vocabulary
- Fantasy Literature
- High Fantasy
- Urban Fantasy
Materials
- Other examples of fantasy as needed
- Notebook paper and writing utensils
Instructions
- To begin, write a list of aspects of fantasy literature on the board. Here are some examples: werewolves, magic, vampires, witches, wizards, elves, hobbits, dragons, etc.
- Give 5 minutes for a free write. Ask students to write about their thoughts on literature that contains these types of ideas. Do they like that literature? Is it interesting? Is it just for kids?
- When time is up, ask students to share something about what they wrote.
- Explain that all these ideas are often seen in fantasy literature. The rest of the lesson will focus on modern fantasy.
- Begin watching the video lesson What is Modern Fantasy Literature? - Definition, Authors, & Novels. Have students take notes as they watch.
- Stop the video at 1:35. Make sure students added the definition of fantasy to their notes.
- Discussion Question: Fantasy is defined as literature that depicts abilities, creatures, or settings not found or feasible in the real world. Why do you think so many people enjoy this? What is the appeal? Why do/don't you enjoy it?
- Return to the video and watch until 3:25.
- Make sure students have entered information into their notes on the following ideas: mythic origins, paranormality, and exotic locales. Answer questions as needed.
- Discussion Question: What makes a work one of high fantasy? What are some other examples in books, movies, or TV that are high fantasy? How are they high fantasy?
- Return to the video and watch until 4:01.
- Discussion Question: What aspects of His Dark Materials are fantasy? Are there mythic origins? Exotic locales? Paranormality? Is it high fantasy? Explain.
- Before returning to the video, assign students one of the three remaining examples. For each, they will have to respond to the previous discussion questions after the video has been watched. Also, be sure they add in the term 'urban fantasy' to their notes.
- Return to the video and watch until 6:14.
- Have students discuss the following questions according to the example you assigned to them.
- Discussion Question: What aspects of this work make it fantasy? Are there mythic origins? Exotic locales? Paranormality? Is it high fantasy? Is it urban fantasy? Explain.
- Return to the video and watch the lesson summary.
Activity
- This activity can be modified in a wide variety of ways. Some classes may need to work in pairs, while other can do it individually. In addition, some students will only do the planning for a fantasy story, while others can actually write it. Some may only write 2-3 paragraphs, while others can write more. Adjust the requirements according to the needs of your students.
- To begin this activity, split students into 3 groups. One group will focus on mythic origins, one of paranormality, and one on exotic locales.
- Give each group 5 minutes to brainstorm creative ideas that could be used to write an original fantasy story. Each should focus on their particular characteristic (mythic origins, paranormality, exotic locales).
- Have each group share their brainstorming ideas. These should be written on the board so everyone can see all the ideas.
- Once there are a good number of ideas on the board, students will plan their own fantasy story. Students can work in pairs or individually.
- Give requirements for the fantasy. They should choose 2-3 main characters, the setting, and the conflict for their story. The planning must be related to the brainstorming ideas for mythic origins, paranormality, and exotic locales. Depending on the ability of your class, add more requirements. Give a time limit for this planning.
- If your class is able to, move to the final step, which is for students to write the fantasy story. You can make this a quick 1-2 paragraph assignment, or extend it to a few days to allow for longer writings and time to proofread and revise. Peer reviews could also be used.
- Once the stories are ready, share with the class!
Exit Ticket
- Have students take the Quiz.
- Have students write their answers on notebook paper. They must turn these in before they leave the class.
Extensions
- For advanced students, extend the activity of writing a fantasy. You can also have some students write an urban fantasy and some a high fantasy. This activity can take a few weeks depending on the length you require.
- For struggling students, provide more examples and summaries of modern fantasy. Have them practice identifying the characteristics, as well as differentiating between high and urban fantasy. This could also become a sort of scavenger hunt where students search for their own examples from home and via other media sources (TV shows, movies, etc.).
