Using History Fun Facts to Fuel Creative Writing

Written by Emily Upton - Posted January 3, 2024

If your students groan when you say "It's time for writing!", you are definitely in the right place. If your students dread writing and don't know how to get started, history can be your secret weapon! In this blog post, we're going to explore how you can use history to fuel creative writing in your classroom and get your kiddos engaged so they actually WANT to write. Quick writes are one of my favorite ways to sneak a little extra writing into my day without absolutely overwhelming my students. 

Why Integrate History and Creative Writing?

Now, you might be wondering why history and creative writing make such a dynamic duo. History is chock-full of captivating stories, fascinating characters, and mind-blowing fun facts that you can use to get your students interested in writing. What better way to get your students' creative juices flowing than by diving into the past?

Here are some tips to help you get started!

1. Choose an Intriguing Historical Event: Start by picking an exciting historical event. It could be anything from the Wright brothers' first flight to the signing of the Declaration of Independence or even a lesser-known event that piques your interest. The key is to choose something that's packed with potential for imaginative storytelling.
2. Introduce Historical Context: Once you've got your event, take some time to provide a bit of historical context. Share details about the time period, the people involved, and the circumstances surrounding the event. This helps students immerse themselves in the historical backdrop and adds depth to their writing.
3. Spark Creativity with Questions: Encourage your students to think like historians and storytellers. Ask them questions like:

• What if they were there when it happened?
• How would they describe the sights, sounds, and emotions of the moment?
• What could be some unexpected twists or hidden stories behind the event?
• What would their character in that time and place be like?

Let the Writing Begin

Now, it's time for the magic to happen. Let your students loose with their creative writing. They can write from the perspective of someone who witnessed the event, create fictional characters caught up in the historical drama, or even craft a time-travel adventure.

Don't forget to set aside time for sharing and celebrating your students' creative works. You can host a storytelling session, create a classroom museum displaying their stories, or even have a historical-themed party where they read their tales aloud.

Using This Day in History Writing Prompts

We've got an awesome resource to supercharge your history-inspired creative writing lessons: "This Day in History" writing prompts. These daily prompts are like a treasure trove of historical events, waiting to inspire your students' imaginations. Packed with a variety of writing types from informational to persuasive, these daily fun facts and prompts are sure to get your kiddos hyped about writing.

These are great to use as warm-ups, writing centers, or as a weekly independent assignment. They only take 10-15 minutes to complete. The best part? They're digital AND printable to meet your students' needs!

Imagine your students crafting stories about:

• The day the Great Wall of China was completed.
• The moment the first telephone call was made.
• The adventure of the first woman in space.

Sound intriguing? We thought so! These prompts are a fantastic way to infuse history into your creative writing lessons effortlessly.

You can click here to check out the year-long bundle!

So, whether you're delving into the mysteries of ancient Egypt or exploring the innovations of the Industrial Revolution, remember that history is a goldmine for sparking creativity in your students. Give it a try, and watch your classroom come alive with exciting stories from the past. Happy writing, and may your students' imaginations soar to new heights! 🚀

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