The False Prince Jennifer Nielsen in the Classroom novel study lessons, CLICK HERE on TpT.

The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen is an exciting and action-packed novel that should be included as part of any secondary school curriculum. This story follows Sage, an orphan who is kidnapped by a nobleman with a plan to pass him off as an heir to the throne of Carthya. With thrilling plot twists and a cast of colorful characters, this book will captivate students from start to finish. Here are some tips for teaching this book in the classroom.
Introducing the Novel
The False Prince is an ideal choice for introducing your students to the genre of historical fiction. Before assigning it, ask them what they know about historical fiction and allow them to discuss their ideas in small groups. This can be done virtually or in person depending on your current circumstances. You could also give them some background information about when and where the novel takes place (Medieval Carathon) that will help contextualize their reading experience with real-world knowledge.
Engaging Activities
As your students read through The False Prince, you can assign activities and tasks that will help them think more deeply about the text. For example, you could have one student write a blog post from Sage’s perspective or create a timeline outlining important events from the book. You could also have each student pick an individual character from the novel and create a “profile” for them based on how they were portrayed in the text. Additionally, you could assign some creative writing assignments that involve retelling certain scenes from different characters’ points of view or even having students come up with their own alternate ending for the story! All these activities will help bring The False Prince to life for your students while also providing ample opportunity for learning and growth.
Engaging Students with Discussion Questions
The best way to get your students interested in this book is to ask thought-provoking discussion questions. These can range from simple recall questions like “Who was Sage’s rival on his quest?” to deeper questions about character motivations or themes in the novel. This will help keep your students engaged and allow them to express their own thoughts and opinions on the material they’re reading.
Analyzing Characters
Asking your students to analyze the various characters in The False Prince can be a great way to get them thinking critically about how each character’s actions drive the plot forward. For example, have your students reflect on how Conner uses manipulation as a tool for achieving his goals, or how Sage learns important lessons about loyalty throughout his journey. This can also lead into meaningful conversations about morality and ethics, which can be especially powerful when discussing books such as The False Prince which features morally ambiguous characters who often make difficult decisions between what’s right and what’s easy.
Developing Writing Skills
The False Prince provides many opportunities for your students to practice their writing skills. Have them write essays comparing and contrasting different characters or analyzing key scenes from the novel. You can also assign creative writing projects inspired by elements of the book; these could take form of short stories or poems related to concepts explored in The False Prince such as friendship, courage, or leadership.

CLICK HERE for the Digital Course Above.
Choose Discussion Topics Carefully
The False Prince contains numerous themes and topics that are ripe for discussion. You could focus on power dynamics between characters or explore ethical dilemmas as they arise throughout the novel. However, it’s important to pay attention to what your students are comfortable talking about and choose topics accordingly. If you don’t feel like discussing some of the heavier themes in the book, you could always talk about Sage’s growth as a character or the importance of friendship and loyalty throughout his journey.
Encourage Group Work
The False Prince is full of interesting characters who come from different backgrounds and beliefs – which makes it perfect material for group work! Ask each student to choose one of the characters in the book and create an analysis based on their point of view. Students can then share their analysis with one another during class discussions. This exercise will help bring different perspectives into the conversation while also giving students an opportunity to practice their creative writing skills.
Incorporate Technology
Technology can be a great way to spice up classroom lessons – especially if you’re teaching a novel like The False Prince! There are plenty of online activities available that will help students better understand and engage with the story. For example, you could have them create digital storyboards that depict key scenes from the book or create a podcast episode discussing their favorite part of the book. You could also assign research projects related to historical figures mentioned in The False Prince or have them write blog posts about what they think may happen after Sage returns home at the end of his journey.
Teaching The False Prince with thoughtful discussion questions, character analysis activities, and creative writing assignments will help bring this exciting story alive for your secondary school classroom! With its thrilling plot twists and complex characters, this book will captivate students while helping them develop valuable literary skills such as critical thinking, analysis, and writing ability that they can use both inside and outside of school settings. So don’t hesitate—add The False Prince by Jennifer Nielsen to your curriculum today!
Leave a Reply