Literary Genres
| All Fiction | |
|---|---|
| Drama | Stories composed in verse or prose, usually for theatrical performance, where conflicts and emotion are expressed through dialogue and action. |
| Fable | Narration demonstrating a useful truth, especially in which animals speak as humans; legendary, supernatural tale. |
| Fairy Tale | Story about fairies or other magical creatures, usually for children. |
| Fantasy | Fiction with strange or other-worldly settings or characters; fiction which invites suspension of reality. |
| Fiction | Narrative literary works whose content is produced by the imagination and is not necessarily based on fact. |
| Fiction in Verse | Full-length novels with plot, subplot(s), theme(s), major and minor characters, in which the narrative is presented in (usually blank) verse form. |
| Folklore | The songs, stories, myths, and proverbs of a people or "folk" as handed down by word of mouth. |
| Historical Fiction | Story with fictional characters and events in a historical setting. |
| Horror | Fiction in which events evoke a feeling of dread in both the characters and the reader. |
| Humor | Fiction full of fun, fancy, and excitement, meant to entertain; but can be contained in all genres. |
| Legend | Story, sometimes of a national or folk hero, which has a basis in fact but also, includes imaginative material. |
| Mystery | Fiction dealing with the solution of a crime or the unraveling of secrets. |
| Mythology | Legend or traditional narrative often based in part on historical events that reveals human behavior and natural phenomena by its symbolism; often pertaining to the actions of the gods. |
| Poetry | Verse and rhythmic writing with imagery that creates emotional responses. |
| Realistic Fiction | Story that can actually happen and is true to life. |
| Science Fiction | Story based on impact of actual, imagined, or potential science, usually set in the future or on other planets. |
| Short Story | Fiction of such brevity that it supports no subplots. |
| Tall Tale | Humorous story with blatant exaggerations, swaggering heroes who do the impossible with nonchalance. |
| All Nonfiction | |
| Biography/Autobiography | Narrative of a person's life, a true story about a real person. |
| Essay | A short literary composition that reflects the author's outlook or point. |
| Narrative Nonfiction | Factual information presented in a format which tells a story; may be personal. |
| Nonfiction | Informational text dealing with an actual, real-life subject. |
| Speech | Public address or discourse. |
Other Possible Genres
You have explored literary genres that may be used with your K-6 students. Now you will explore other genres and will be able add some of your own ideas to a chart. You may print this chart to keep as a reference tool. Click on the link below to view the chart. Remember to add genres previously learned as well as some original ideas!
Possible Genres
| Poem | Newspaper | Will | Home Page |
| Recipe | Math Problems | Restaurant Menu | Play |
| Song | Found Poem | Report Card | Poem for Two Voices |
| Crossword Puzzle | Advertisement | Picture Book | Narrative |
| Tombstone | Warning Sign | Comic Book | Character Sketch |
| News Article | Business Card | Computer Game | Travel Advertisement |
| Quiz | Funeral Note | Computer Game Ad | Travel Brochure |
| Diary | Recipe Book | Game Instructions | Haiku |
| Survival Kit | Map | Greeting Card | Dialogue |
| Obituary | Movie Poster | Action Figure Ad | Monologue |
| T-Shirt | Finishing School Brochure | Sports Story | Letter |
| Wanted Poster | Trading Cards | Contract | Personal Ad |
| Short Story | Informative Essay | Expository Essay | Persuasive Essay |
| Newspaper Interview | Eulogy | Rap Song | Other |
| ____________ | ____________ | ____________ | ____________ |
| ____________ | ____________ | ____________ | ____________ |
| ____________ | ____________ | ____________ | ____________ |
| ____________ | ____________ | ____________ | ____________ |
| ____________ | ____________ | ____________ | ____________ |
