Understanding Genres Grades 3-5. By Mrs. Paula McMullen Library Teacher Norwood Public Schools

Transcription

1 Understanding Genres Grades 3-5 By Mrs. Paula McMullen Library Teacher Norwood Public Schools

2 What is a genre? A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing. Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction. Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books. Biography, poetry, drama and traditional literature are smaller genres. Autobiographies, memoirs and collective biographies are special biography books. Norwood Public Schools 2

3 Fiction Genre Fiction books are imaginative stories created by authors. Stories have beginning, middle and end. Plots made up of series of events. Interesting characters and problems. Problems resolved by end of story. Provide thought-provoking themes. Can be divided into smaller genres including: realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction. Norwood Public Schools 3

4 Other Fiction Books Norwood Public Schools 4

5 Realistic Fiction Genre Realistic fiction is smaller genre of fiction books. Characters behave in believable ways. Settings are in recognizable places and times. Problems are believable. Descriptions are vivid. Dialogue is accurate. Norwood Public Schools 5

6 Other Realistic Fiction Books Norwood Public Schools 6

7 Mystery Fiction Genre Mystery is smaller genre of fiction books. Same characteristics as realistic fiction but: Characters all involved in solving puzzle. Each event is linked to solving the mystery. Writer drops clues. End with believable conclusion. Norwood Public Schools 7

8 Other Mysteries Norwood Public Schools 8

9 Fantasy Fiction Genre Fantasy is smaller genre of fiction books. Contain elements that are not realistic. Major events could not happen in real life. Characters use magic or other impossible strategies. Norwood Public Schools 9

10 Other Fantasy Fiction Books Norwood Public Schools 10

11 Science Fiction Genre Science fiction is smaller genre of fiction books. Based on impact of actual or imagined science. Setting is the future or on other planets. Explores advanced space travel or extraterrestrial beings. Norwood Public Schools 11

12 Other Science Fiction Books Norwood Public Schools 12

13 Historical Fiction Genre Historical fiction is smaller genre of fiction books. Setting (where and when) is important. Stories take place in an identifiable period of the past. Characters may all be fictional or some may have been real. Have authentic problems, description and dialogue. Norwood Public Schools 13

14 Other Historical Fiction Books Norwood Public Schools 14

15 Nonfiction Genre Nonfiction books are filled with facts and information that teach you something. Subjects are researched by authors. Information organized around topics and main ideas. Have bolded, larger headings. Often provide: contents page, index, glossary. Have helpful illustrations: photographs, drawings, diagrams, maps, charts, graphs. Have captions that describe illustrations. Norwood Public Schools 15

16 Other Nonfiction Books Norwood Public Schools 16

17 Biography Genre Biography books tell about a real person, past or present. Researched by author. Based on facts. Include major influences in person s life (people, places, and events). Often include an obstacle, or hardship, that is overcome. Norwood Public Schools 17

18 Other Biographies Norwood Public Schools 18

19 Autobiography Books Autobiography is special kind of biography where: Author writes about himself. True account of that person s life. Author reveals his feelings and reactions to events and experiences in his life. Written in first person. Norwood Public Schools 19

20 Other Autobiographies Norwood Public Schools 20

21 Memoir Like autobiography, author writes about himself. Written in first person. Often focuses on one aspect of that person s life rather than whole life. May focus on a period of time in his life. Norwood Public Schools 21

22 Other Memoirs Norwood Public Schools 22

23 Collective Biography Books Collective biography has same characteristics as individual biography books but Contain stories of more than one person s life. Norwood Public Schools 23

24 Other Collective Biographies Norwood Public Schools 24

25 Poetry Genre In poetry, words chosen carefully. Often written in lines. May or may not rhyme. Often has rhythm and repetition. Imagery is important feature. Sound and meaning of words are combined to express feelings, thoughts, and ideas. Metaphor, simile and personification create images. Alliteration and onomatopoeia create sounds. Types include: acrostic, cinquain, limerick, free verse, haiku, concrete. Norwood Public Schools 25

26 Other Poetry Books Norwood Public Schools 26

27 Traditional Literature Genre Traditional literature includes: riddles, rhymes, folktales, myths and legends. Passed down orally no known authors. Set in distant past. Have identifiable motifs: special numbers, magical creatures or objects, quests, enchantments. Share moral, lesson, or belief. Reflect a culture s values and traditions. Norwood Public Schools 27

28 Other Traditional Literature Books Norwood Public Schools 28

29 Drama Genre Written text of stories called plays. Written by playwright. Written in dramatic speech (dialogue and monologue). Stage directions included. Written for performance on stage. Emotions, characterization and events expressed through dialogue and action. Norwood Public Schools 29

30 Other Plays in Drama Genre Norwood Public Schools 30

31 Remember A genre is a type of writing that is different than other types of writing. Two major genres are: fiction and nonfiction. Realistic, mystery, fantasy, historical and science fiction are smaller genres of fiction books. Biography, poetry, drama and traditional literature are smaller, special genres. Autobiographies, memoirs and collective biographies are special biography books. Norwood Public Schools 31

32 Resources Huck, Charlotte. Children s Literature in the Elementary School. Fort Worth, Texas: Harcourt Brace Jovanovich College Publishers, Sutherland, Zena. Children and Books 8 th ed. NY: HarperColllins Publishers, ClipartHeaven.Com Discoveryschool Clip Art Gallery Follett Library Resources Kidsdomain Clip Art Microsoft Office Clip Art Norwood Public Schools 32