SC#10: Inspiring a Love of History with Steve Sheinkin
Jan 18, 2017
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Joining the conversation is Steve Sheinkin, an award-winning author known for making history exciting for young readers. He shares insights on his new story series, presenting a gripping tale about Jim Thorpe and discussing the fine line between history and historical fiction. The hosts dive into the lasting impact of storytelling on childhood development and explore how narratives shape American identity. With a focus on credible research, they discuss the art of engaging younger audiences through compelling historical stories.
Storytelling techniques can deeply engage children, enriching their understanding and emotional connection to complex subjects like history.
The '50: The Stars, The States, and The Stories' series aims to illuminate diverse narratives that shape American identity, highlighting historical complexities.
Deep dives
Exploring the Role of Stories in Education
Stories can serve as powerful tools for parenting and education, helping to impart lessons and values in engaging ways. The discussion emphasizes the significance of storytelling techniques as a means of fostering connections with children, capturing their interest, and stimulating their curiosity. An example discussed involves how storytelling can create memorable experiences that resonate emotionally with listeners, making the information more impactful and easier to recall. Through the lens of personal anecdotes, the speakers highlight the transformative role of stories in understanding complex subjects like history.
The Significance of Historical Context
The latest story series, '50: The Stars, The States, and The Stories,' aims to delve deep into the diverse narratives that shape American identity, particularly through the lens of individual states. Each story is designed to reflect historical events and significant figures, enabling a broader understanding of what it means to be part of the United States. The first story, 'A View From Above,' intertwines elements of women’s rights and early aviation history while spotlighting influential figures like Blanche Noyes and John D. Rockefeller. By addressing both known and lesser-known histories, this series seeks to enrich listeners' knowledge about America's past.
Navigating Truth in Fiction and Nonfiction
The conversation touches on the delicate balance writers face when intertwining facts and fictional elements in storytelling. While historical fiction allows for some creative liberties, it is essential to manage how those liberties are presented to younger audiences to facilitate understanding without misleading. The speakers highlight the importance of distinguishing between factual and embellished events, while still aiming to capture the essence of the characters and the era. This approach encourages readers to engage with the narratives critically, prompting them to explore the underlying truths and historical contexts.
Understanding Contradictions in American History
The discussion points to the inherent contradictions within American history, portraying it as a complex narrative filled with both exemplary moments and moral failures. The speakers advocate for recognizing these contradictions rather than sanitizing historical figures, noting that even revered leaders were flawed individuals. By exploring the dualities of America's past, the narrative becomes richer and more relatable, fostering critical thinking among listeners. Ultimately, this nuanced understanding empowers young learners to grapple with the complexities of identity and history in a meaningful way.
Steve Sheinkin is an award-winning author of thrilling history books for young adults.
In this episode of SparkleCast, Steve, David and Rebecca talk about “The View from Above," (the first story in our new story series called “FIFTY: The Stars, the States and the Stories”), explore the difference between history and historical fiction, and ask the question, "what is true?"
About SparkleCast:
SparkleCast explores the use of story in parenting and education. One week we share a free story for you to enjoy, and the next week we discuss the story with an expert and thought leader – with the aim of using the story (and all stories) as a parenting and educational tool.
For more stories and tutorials, visit the Sparkle website: www.sparklestories.com