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 humorous story by O. Henry. 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 discuss how they can find theme in a story. Then, they read O. Henry’s story “The Last Leaf” and examine its multiple themes. Next, they compare theme in “The Last Leaf” and in Charlotte Brontë’s poem “Life.” Finally, they choose a work that they know and discuss its themes.
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 a short story by Chekhov and describe the story’s characters’ personalities. Next, they explain the effect of the characters’ personalities on the story’s plot. Finally, they choose a different short story and apply the same analytical process to it.
Analyzing Plot Elements
Students discuss the importance of plot in stories and examine the elements of plot structure. Then, they read Poe’s short story “The Masque of the Red Death,” identifying the elements of plot within the story. Next, they identify and analyze suspense and foreshadowing in Poe’s story. Finally, they diagram the plot of a self-selected story and describe examples of suspense or foreshadowing in it.
Analyzing the Setting
Students identify the setting of a photo of a tropical island. Then, they read and respond to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Ambitious Guest.” Next, they explain how setting influences character and plot. Finally, they apply what they have learned to a story they know and like.
Point of View
Students look at a photo that prompts them to think about subjectivity and objectivity. Then, they learn to identify subjective and objective narrative points of view. Next, they read two versions of a passage, one of them subjective and the other objective, and explain their responses to them. Finally, they write two different versions of the same one-paragraph story, using subjective and objective points of view.
Reading Poetry
Students respond to a quote about rhythm in poetry. Then, they delve into various aspects of poetry, including meter, rhyme, and graphical elements. Next, they explain the effects of figurative language. Finally, they write short poems that use rhyme.
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.
