The Prince and the Pauper
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:
- Identify the elements of historical fiction.
- Learn about historical accounts from the Renaissance Period of English culture.
- Work in twos to produce and present a multimedia presentation for classmates.
- 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
- Scholastic Store
-
Portraits #2: Of Flowers and Shadows
The Scholastic Store 
Portraits #2: Of Flowers and Shadows
Aurelia Sandborn is an orphan who has run away from her sinister guardian in hopes of a better life. Aurelia ends up in Massachusetts, where she meets a sullen artist Winslow Homer, who offers to paint her portrait. When Aurelia begins to confide in Homer, she realizes that he may hold the key to her past...and future.
$5.97 You save: 40%
Page TurnersInspired by the art of Winslow Homer, this story of a courageous orphan is sure to delight.
books;hardcover;series | Ages 9-12
Ages 9-12 $5.97
- Teacher Store
-
The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes #7: Two Heads Are Better Than One
The Teacher Store 
The Amazing Days of Abby Hayes #7: Two Heads Are Better Than One
Abby is home sick when her teacher assigns partners for the science fair project. It's bad enough that she returns to school with a haircut that looks like a science project gone wrong, but then she finds out that her partner is a boy who loves to argue (almost as much as she does). Can they find a way to work together? Abby's riotous misadventures will encourage your child to express herself through writing, learn the value of cooperation and teamwork, and develop her sense of humor.
$4.99
Paperback Book | Grades 3-7
Grades 3-7 $4.99
ARTICLE
LESSON PLAN
BOOK INFORMATION
