What giant?

Fantasy and science-fiction draws on the creativity of young children. The imagination of a child is much more creative than that of an adult because they don’t have a linear way of thinking. Science-fiction deals with the possibilities of technology if it existed and fantasy deals with magical possibilities and have no relation to science (Temple, 2019). Students may confuse science-fiction and fantasy growing up because they seem similar, mostly in films. The distinction becomes apparent as students read more and then become aware of the nuances of each type of genre. Fantasy literature creates a whole new world and goes beyond what we know, it is transformed to something different from the norm (Temple, 2019). The BFG by Roald Dahl is a great example of fantasy literature. It creates a world apart from what we already know – children can place themselves in this story and think about how they would interact with the giant. Children must have the chance to explore their own imagination and fantasy books, like the BFG, provide students that opportunity.

Science-fiction novels can also provide students the opportunity to explore their imagination. Films like Star-Trek or Star Wars are science-fiction – I can not think of any novels that are science-fiction – but these films give insight as to how a novel could be. The use of technology is apparent in the films – flying ships, intergalactic space travel, et cetera. The students can also imagine themselves being in these stories or even think about creating them on their own. Science-fiction is essential in the creativity of students.

It will be difficult to implement fantasy or science-fiction in my classroom because I teach mathematics. Through mathematics, though, I would be able to have students calculate certain aspects of space or spaceships or even different parts of physics that influence science-fiction. Teacher must be creative when implementing science-fiction or fantasy into their classroom.