Modern Fantasy (Contemporary)

Elements and Motifs

-- Elements that violate the natural physical law of our world (alternative realities)
--Magic: most basic element. Magic is often part of the setting, explaining otherwise
unexplainable events.
--Other Worlds: special geography or universe is established, where magic may freely operate
--Good vs. Evil: basis of myths; modern fantasy stories often have strong mythological base
--Heroism
--Special Character Types: may include characters that come from either or legendary past or an
authors vivid imagination. Characters are rarely typical humans.
--Objects: Characters in fantasy often emply magical props in accomplishing their heroic or evil
deed(s).

A discussion of the particular uses of that genre for teachers and elementary school students:
what can students get from reading and learning about fairy tales, say, that they may not get
anywhere else?
When children read fantasy they learn to visualize what they read.
--Modern Fantasy helps children combine their background knowledge with the
authors words to create pictures and a movie in their mind.
--This is extremely important because visualization strengthens our inferential thinking.
--Visualization in reading is an important element of active reading, comprehension, and
response.
Ask Class:
What other ways do you think Modern Fantasy could be used in the classroom, or how would
you use it within your own class?