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 9 learning experiences.
Learning Experiences (Lessons) in Literary Genres Each learning experience takes about 45 minutes to teach in the device-enabled classroom.
Let’s Read a Story
Students discuss how they predict what a story will be about. Then, they read the title and first sentences of a classic Japanese folk tale 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’s the Story About?
Students identify plot and theme in Aesop’s fable “The Fox and the Crow.” Then, they read a Roman myth, “Echo and Narcissus,” and answer questions about its plot and theme. Next, they explain their processes of finding theme in “The Fox and the Crow.” Finally, they choose a story they have read and state its plot and theme.
Different Types of Stories
Students begin by identifying kinds of stories that they like. Then, they learn the definitions of five genres of children’s stories. Next, they read the Ottawa myth of Onaiazo the Skywalker, followed by the British legend of Saint George and the Dragon, and they distinguish the two genres. Finally, they work in small groups to investigate and report on legends from various cultures.
Analyzing Characters
Students read a folktale and analyze its characters and their effects on the plot. Then, they read a different version of the same folktale and explain how lack of character interaction changes it. Finally, they apply what they have learned to a folktale of their choice.
Analyzing Plot Elements
Students examine the five elements of basic plot structure. Next, they read a folktale and identify each plot element in the story. Finally, they analyze the plot elements in a self-selected story.
Analyzing the Setting
Students identify the setting of a photo of Earth from space. Then, they read and respond to a passage from a classic children’s book with a distinct setting. Next, they explain how setting influences 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 points of view. Then, they learn to identify first-person and third-person points of view. Next, they read two 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 points of view.
Reading Poetry
Students explore the essential traits of poetry, such as sound devices and form. Next, they identify examples and explain uses of figurative language. Finally, they choose subjects and write very brief poems using figurative language.
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.
