Comparing and contrasting fiction sub-genres encourages young learners to recognize more intricate details in texts. Use this lesson plan to teach your students to compare and contrast traits within a sub-genre.
Students will be able to compare and contrast stories within a fiction sub-genre.
Introduction
(10 minutes)
Ask two student volunteers to act out a conversation where they both discuss how they feel they were wronged in a specific incident (i.e. shortchanged, minor car accident, or ignored in line by a clerk).
Allow the pair two minutes to prepare for their presentation. While they’re away, tell your class they are about to witness a personal narrative in the drama sub-genre.
Explain to students that the scenario they will see is a type of storytelling with a particular trait of interpersonal conflict. Ask your students to be on the lookout for expressions of conflict, shared perspectives, and differences in perspective.
Call the actors in, and watch the performance until it’s clear what the conflict is about and how each person has a clearly different view of the situation.
Start the review process by asking your class the the following questions:
What's the genre (fiction)?
What's the sub-genre (drama)?
What triat or characteristic from the sub-genre will you witness (interpersonal conflict)?
What do you need to focus on while you watch the performance (similar and different expressions of conflict)?
Share out details of student observations after the performance.
Tell your students they are going to learn to compare and contrast fiction texts in a common sub-genre, through features specific to the sub-genre.