Students learn about literary elements, such as plot and characters, across a number of literary genres. They also do some creative writing.
Literary Genres unit contains 10 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Literary Genres Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Reading Stories
Students discuss how they predict what a fictional narrative will be about. Then, they preview a classic fairy tale by Hans Christian Andersen. Next, they read the entire story and look back at their questions and confirm or correct predictions. Finally, they create or find an illustration for the tale.
What It’s About: Plot and Theme
Students learn about the differences between theme and plot and discuss how they can find theme in a story. Then, they read the Greek myth of Daedalus and Icarus and examine its multiple themes. Next, they compare its themes to those of a poem with similar subject matter: the death of a brave young son. Finally, they choose two works they know and find similar themes in them.
Different Genres of Literature
Students begin by sharing kinds of stories they have enjoyed. Then, they learn five major genres of fiction and identify passages exemplifying each. Next, they form small groups to report on specific works in assigned genres. Finally, they elaborate on what genre of fiction they would most like to write.
Analyzing Characters
Students read “The Open Window” and describe the conflicts and responses it contains and their effects on the plot. Next, they examine and explain the characters’ personalities as contributors to the characters’ responses. Finally, they imagine and write about how different personalities would have led to a different plot.
Analyzing Plot Elements
Students discuss the importance of plot in stories and examine the five elements of basic plot structure. Then, they read a historical short story containing those elements. Next, they comprehend and analyze the concept of flashback. Finally, they analyze the plot in a self-selected story.
Analyzing the Setting
Students identify the setting of a photo of the New York skyline. Then, they read and respond to a passage from a novel with a distinct setting. Next, they explain how setting influences plot and character. Finally, they apply what they have learned to a story they know and like.
Point of View
Students look at a photo and think about points of view. Then, they learn to identify first-person and third-person points of view, including third-person omniscient and third-person limited. Next, they read three versions of a passage differing in point of view and explain their responses to them. Finally, they write two different versions of the same one-paragraph story, using different third-person points of view.
Reading Poetry
Students infer the meaning of the word structure from images. Then, they explore and analyze the structural traits of poetry and poetic form. Next, they explain the effects of figurative language. Finally, they write short poems that use meter.
Drama: Enacting Literature
Students begin by showing basic knowledge of what a theater is. Then, they explore major elements of drama, beginning with dialogue. Next, they analyze stage directions and explain how the directions help depict character. Finally, they demonstrate their knowledge by writing two or more new lines of dialogue, with stage directions, for a scene they have read.
Book Review (Fiction)
Students learn the elements of writing a book review. Then, they choose a book to read and explain why they chose it. Next, they read the book and write their book review. Finally, they rate the book and create a new cover for it.
