Faction is Fun

Idea courtesy Methods That Matter Six Structures for Best Practice Classroom by Harvey Daniels & Marilyn Bizar.

Who is Faction For?

I would use faction in really any grade level, it would work in any of them. For the examples following, I would gear it towards a 10th grade classroom. The chosen works would probably relate to them most. The versatility of faction is what makes it such a useful tool for teaching.

What is Faction?
Faction is a fun, creative way for the students to show their knowledge of the reading. Faction lets the students step into the shoes of the author or historical figure and write a scene or paragraph about history.

Example of Faction
Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck
George was eleven when he met Lenny for the first time. The bullies were after him again, and hed managed to hide in the trees. It didnt take them long to find him, and they dragged him out, circling him. George ducked beneath the first punch, but the second one caught him in the shoulder. He fell to the ground and the bullies started kicking him. As the blood flowed, George heard a roar and a large boy came charging out of the trees. He swung wildly at the bullies, and when he hit them, they fell to the ground. George watched them run away while the boy crouched down next to him and awkwardly said, My names Lenny.

How To Do Faction
To complete faction, the students must write a certain amount about what is being read. Faction can be a chapter or a little paragraph from their minds. This could be a homework assignment, an in-class project, or even a quiz to see if they have read.

How To Do Faction Continued

If the students are If the students are reading a novel, they learning about history, could write a chapter they could write about of something that something they could have happened. heard or saw at Its nearly impossible the time. for the students to do Once again, hard to do this if they havent if they havent read or read. have prior knowledge.

Another Example of Faction

World War II
The generals, Eisenhower in particular, have told us we are heading out for Normandy in two days, the Brits and us Americans. The French have chickened out of the fight again. Word has come from the French Resistance, an oxymoron if Ive ever heard one, that the Germans are most likely ready on the beach. That will not scare us, we will drive on for Uncle Sam. I may not return, but I know the sacrifice that may be required of me. I dont want to die, but if I am meant to, I will bear that cross with honor because freedom comes with a cost. The Brits will be right behind us, Im sure. Hopefully we go to victory and the liberation of France.

Different Things To Do With Faction

You can go further with faction and have the students show their works in pairs, then in groups, then to the class as a whole. This would work best with paragraphs, not chapters. The students could continue to do this throughout the book, every couple of chapters.

Why Do Faction?
For starters, faction allows the students to develop a creativity in the classroom. Its a really good way to find out who has or hasnt read in the classroom. You cant write a chapter or historical writing thats accurate without having read. Its fun for everyone involved, and can help the students express themselves.