1. “Does it all have to be a choice? Genre Studies in the Writing Workshop” Robyn Haug and Shawn Riley

2. What is a Genre Study? A genre study is a unit specifically designed for one style or kind of writing. Writing Cup

3. Why do Genre Studies? As children complete their schooling, it is important that they are exposed to and immersed in many kinds of print and many types of literature. A genre study is one way to accomplish that. As Carl Smith wrote, “The analysis of different types of literature promotes cognitive development because it gives students an opportunity to apply similar skills and strategies, such as identifying themes discussed in one genre—fiction, for example—to other genres like poetry, reports, descriptive pieces, and plays.” Research also shows that the more experience students have in reading different genres, the more successful they will be in writing in different genres. Keeps things fresh and lively within a writing classroom!

4. Guidelines for a Genre Study Select beginning and ending dates and announce these to the class. Most studies will last between four and six weeks. Gather a wide variety of models (published texts) for the genre. Begin by reading the texts and discussing them with your students. Build a list of characteristics of the genre with your students. Encourage students to generate ideas for topics in that genre. Don’t “front-load” the genre by teaching too much. Get students writing quickly and teach as you go! Teach focused lessons that address issues for that particular genre. Be an example for students and model your writing in the genre! As the ending date nears, invite students to select their favorite pieces and have a sharing or celebration.

5. What are some genre examples? Genre Characteristics FANTASY: contains elements that are not realistic talking animals magical powers often set in a medieval universe possibly involving mythical beings HISTORICAL FICTION: stories centered around the basis of a partially historical situation in a historical period

6. What are some genre examples? Genre Characteristics MYSTERY: a novel involving: strangeness solving a puzzling event or situation something unknown solving a crime centered around a person who investigates wrongdoing centered around a person or persons employed to obtain secret information REALISTIC FICTION: stories that take place in modern times characters are involved in events that could happen.

7. What are some genre examples? Genre Characteristics SCIENCE FICTION: stories that often tell about science and technology of the future involving partially true fictions laws or theories of science Settings: in the future in space on a different world in a different universe or dimension

8. How do I go about planning for a genre study? –MOST WRITING EXPERTS BELIEVE THAT STUDENTS SHOULD HAVE CHOICE WHEN PICKING A WRITING TOPIC ~ but they disagree choice of genre

9. I guess it all comes down to… CHOICE Katie Wood Ray says… After the student decides what they are going to write about, the student then decides, “What am I going to make it into?” Different kids will flourish depending on genre Before you write 1 form of genre, read 100 examples

10. I guess it all comes down to… CHOICE Lucy Calkins says… Students should have a choice in topic, but the teacher should divide the genres throughout the year September / October Personal Narratives November / February Essays December Fiction Writing March Memoir April Poetry May ______

11. I guess it all comes down to… CHOICE Ralph Fletcher says… Students should have a choice in topic and sometimes a choice in genre throughout the year. Launch Cycle 6 Weeks Narrative Cycle One 5 Weeks Open Cycle 4 Weeks Test Writing Practice Cycle 1 Week Poetry Cycle Five Weeks Open Cycle Two 4 Weeks Nonfiction Cycle Five Weeks

12. I guess it all comes down to… CHOICE Nancie Atwell says… All Choice, All the time! However, she specifically teaches some of the following genres. Poetry Fiction Essays Memoir Book Reviews

13. Where do we go from here? Take this time to plan a genre study unit. We have several resources available to use. Let’s discuss our ideas at 5:20!