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 11 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 guess what a story will be about. Then, they read the title and first sentences of a historical fictional short story to practice those skills. 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 story.
What It’s About: Plot and Theme
Students discuss how they can find theme in a story. Then, they read “The Necklace,” by Guy de Maupassant, and examine its multiple themes. Next, they compare themes in “The Necklace” and in Edna St. Vincent Millay’s poem “Sorrow.” 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 seven 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 Jack’s London’s story “To Build a Fire” and note the character’s actions. Then, they explain the outcome of the connection between the character’s motivations and his behaviors. Finally, they choose a different short story and apply the same analytical process to it.
Analyzing Plot Elements
Students read a non-linear story and analyze the elements of its plot. Next, they find flashback in the story. Finally, they read a linear story and compare its plot to that of the non-linear example.
Analyzing the Setting
Students identify the setting of a photo of a county fair at night. Then, they read and respond to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s short story “The Minister’s Black Veil.” Next, they explain how setting relates to characters’ values and beliefs. 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 points of view. Then, they read a passage that uses multiple points of view and identify those points of view. Next, they compare and contrast advantages and disadvantages of multiple and single points of view. Finally, they work in small groups to write a brief narrative using multiple points of view.
Irony
Students view a cartoon and identify the humor in it, which stems from irony. Then, they learn about the three types of irony. Next, they read a classic short story and explain examples of irony in it. Finally, they brainstorm and write scenes that use irony.
Reading Poetry
Students respond to a shape poem. Then they explore in depth the use of graphical devices in poetry. Next, they study figurative language and explain an extended metaphor. Finally, they write a poem using extended metaphor.
Drama: Enacting Literature
Students begin by showing basic knowledge of what a theater is. Then, they explore major elements of drama, including the structure of acts and scenes. Next, they read an adapted scene from a classic play and explain it in terms of what they have learned. Finally, they write new dialogue and stage directions to extend the scene.
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.
