What is Fan Fiction Writing?

Fan fiction is work written by fans of an already published fictitious work, such as a novel, TV show, or movie. Sometimes referred to as “fanfic”, fan fiction features the same characters as the original work, but adding new settings or plot. Fan fiction can be any length, from a few sentences to a few volumes.

Fan fiction has been popularized in recent years by such bestselling series as Twilight and Harry Potter. Because of their appeal to readers of all ages and their adaption into movies, popular fantasy makes good inspiration for fan fiction. Fan fiction is nothing new, although the internet had made it easier for writers to find an audience. As far back as the nineteenth century, in fact, Sherlock Holmes was popular fodder for fanfic.

Why Fan Fiction is Beneficial for Student Writing

Fan fiction allows students to write about characters they already know. When students are interested in a subject, they are more willing to write about it, making them work to improve their writing skills along the way. Fan fiction can be especially beneficial to students that lack confidence in their writing abilities or seem disinterested in writing.

Fanfic writers do not have to create characters, plot, and setting all on their own. Instead, they can write about characters readers already love, making the task less daunting. The writer can then concentrate on other elements, such as an unexpected plot twist or a spooky new setting.

Students are engaged with writing fanfic because it gives them an opportunity to discuss stories and characters about which they are passionate, often with others who are passionate about the same things.

Fan fiction can be inspired by anything, from manga to movies. This allows almost any student an entry into writing some sort of fan fiction, completely different from that of their peers. It also allows for more diversity in the sorts of things students read and write.

Tips for Assigning Fan Fiction Writing

Because fan fiction is so all-encompassing, students will often writes dozens, sometimes hundreds, of pages. The more students write, the more they will learn, even if most of the writing isn’t of professional quality. Remember, the teacher does not need to assess all the writing. Sometimes simply checking that the student has been writing is enough. Other times, one might assign a peer workshop, wherein students read parts of each other’s works and offer suggestions based on a rubric. Students may also be given the option to submit only one writing assignment for a grade, with more thorough editing than given to other pieces. When teachers do offer feedback, they should stay focused on one or a few key elements, instead of trying to correct every mistake.

Encourage students to share their writing, no matter how imperfect. There are plenty of websites devoted to fan fiction. Because fan fiction is often considered a “geeky” hobby, its writers tend to bond over their love for the genre. This allows writers to offer each other feedback and encouragement that helps them improve their craft.

Conversely, fan fiction sites can also sometimes become forums for cyberbullying, especially given how passionately writers and readers feel about their particular fanfic. Before giving a young person free rein of the fan fiction universe, set boundaries and closely monitor their activities on fanfic web sites.

Fan fiction can be a great starting point for aspiring future novelists. In fact, some famous authors, such as Meg Cabot, Marissa Meyer, E.L. James, Neil Gaiman, and S.E. Hinton, reportedly used to write fan fiction. By being able to practice writing using someone else’s characters and universes, especially ones already familiar and beloved, these writers were able to focus on developing their writings without the pressure of “trying to think of an idea” to get started.

For instance, with Batman as a character, almost anything could happen. After all, who knows what adventures we will have after we finish the Cheetos!

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Why Writing is the Best Vehicle for Social-Emotional Learning

Social-emotional learning helps students to build emotional intelligence, or the ability to identify and manage one’s own emotions while also understanding the emotions of others. It is the type of learning that fosters a safe and productive learning environment and aids teachers in building positive rapport with students. Social-emotional learning teaches students that their feelings are valid and their voice matters while also teaching them to respect the feelings and voices of others. Although academic skills like reading and math are immensely important, students cannot go on to be effective employees, entrepreneurs, or higher education students without the social and emotional skills necessary to regulate themselves and interact with others.

There are many ways to introduce social-emotional learning in your classroom, but I have a valid case for why writing is a superior choice. The first and most obvious reason is the fact that writing is the foundation of academic communication and an integral part of professionalism. Any writing practice builds your students’ writing ability. Aside from the academic importance of writing, it is also a very therapeutic activity. Writing allows students to express themselves, and as I tell my students – “paper always listens.” Yes, you will encounter many students who claim to abhor writing, especially in the classroom. Students often internalize ideals of writing as forced, laborious, and regimented. Social-emotional learning is the perfect opportunity to detoxify your students’ relationship with writing, presenting it as an activity that serves them.

Tips for Incorporating Social Emotional Learning through Writing

Although writing presents the perfect opportunity to implement social-emotional learning in your classroom, there are some practices that can influence its effectiveness. Social-emotional writing is impactful, freeing, and can create defining moments for your students, thus it’s important to handle it with care. Below are some tips for seamlessly incorporating social-emotional writing in your classroom.

Start on the Shallow End

As its name suggests, social-emotional writing has the capacity to be an emotional experience. Asking students to acknowledge and confront how they feel can bring out some intense emotions that students must feel safe addressing. Build up to heavier topics. A good way to set a foundation for social-emotional writing is to have students analyze the emotions of characters before analyzing their own.

Build Relationships First 

In order for students to feel safe expressing their emotions, they have to know that you and your classroom are a safe space. Students cannot identify your classroom as a safe space without understanding who you are and ascertaining whether or not you care. Thus, before wading into the waters of social-emotional learning, it is wise to build positive relationships with your students first.

Have a Bank of Writing Prompts, but Use them Wisely 

It will behoove you to have social-emotional writing prompts on hand. There are many prompts available online for free, and you can also write some of your own. Be careful not to inundate students with prompts, and try to organize them in such a way that allows you to focus on specific topics and skills.

Practice Low-Stakes Writing 

Put away the red pen when it comes to social-emotional writing. This type of writing should always be low stakes, even going ungraded whenever possible. Remember that students are discovering and coming to terms with their emotions and developing social skills. This will look different for each student, and they deserve the space to develop in these areas without feeling judged or stifled. Your unit-culminating essay is not the best time for social-emotional writing. Focus on smaller tasks like free writings and warm-ups.

Respect Student Privacy

Self-reflection can be very personal, and students will have to trust that you will respect their privacy. When it comes to social-emotional learning, I always let my students know up front that I am a mandated reporter, and we talk about what that means. Once students gain understanding, I make them a promise that anything they write is confidential as long as I am sure that their health and safety are intact. Also, students should never be forced to share social-emotional writing with the class.

Let your Students Guide You 

There are many resources that provide a structure for implementing social-emotional learning in your classroom as its popularity is fortunately on the rise. Use premade resources with the understanding that they were not created with your specific students in mind, and be willing to adjust as necessary. As you get to know your students and practice social-emotional writing, allow what you discover to guide you going forward.

Cultivate a Culture of Respect

In order for students to be honest and transparent in social-emotional writing, they have to feel respected and honored in the classroom. This means that you must actively instill respect within your students. Establish zero tolerance for bullying and disrespect. Before allowing students to share their writing, always reiterate that your classroom is a safe space where students are entitled to their feelings without fear of judgement.

Today’s students have seen and experienced things that their predecessors could not have imagined, from senseless violence to a worldwide pandemic. Our students are learning to navigate waters that are uncharted not only for them, but for multiple generations before them. Now more than ever, it is imperative that all schools infuse social-emotional learning into the curriculum. School should be a place where every student feels valued and heard, and social-emotional writing sets the stage for your classroom to be exactly that.

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