As a project in the literature classroom, I often ask students to write fiction. This is always an element in the Science Fiction Literature classroom for me, and often one in other classes. It gives students an opportunity to be creative, to demonstrate their knowledge of literary technique, and to practice writing.
It is important to give young writers direction. Although one or two might benefit just by being told to write a story, most need some help. The following assignment guides the students through a process that includes research, rough drafts, peer editing to the final project.
For me, the most interesting and useful part of the assignment is the research. This requires students to go out and learn something outside the literature classroom. It might involve Internet work, library research or interviews with experts (a high school is filled with experts--teachers love to be asked off the wall questions about their area of expertise).
Publishing student work is a great way to motivate students to produce their best quality (and it's just plain fun!). At Fruita Monument High School, the Science Fiction Literature class has created a class web-zine, Teenfinity to display their stories.
The Assignment | Ideas for Stories | Peer editing | Grading Rubric
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