WRITING GENRES & THE CCGPS

What is a genre?

A category of composition characterized by similarities in form, style, or subject matter.

Writing Opinion Informative or Explanatory Narrative (real or imagined)

Writing Opinion Informative or Explanatory Narrative (real or imagined) Where is poetry?

Writing Opinion Informative or Explanatory Narrative (real or imagined) What about fiction?

Opinion Pieces K Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; name topic and state preference (opinion) 1 + Give reasons and sense of closure Note: Writing is only format permissible from grade 1 upward 2 + Use linking words (e.g., because, and, also) to connect opinion to reasons, provide concluding statement or section 3 + Create an organizational structure that lists reasons; use more linking words (e.g., therefore, since, for example) 4 + Introduce topic clearly; group related ideas to support points, use more linking words (e.g., for instance, in order to, in addition) 5 + Provide logically ordered reasons supported by facts; use more linking words (e.g., consequently, specifically)

Informative or Explanatory K Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; name topic and supply some information about it 1 + Provide a sense of closure Note: Writing is only format permissible from grade 1 upward 2 + Use facts and definitions to develop points; provide a concluding statement or section 3 + Introduce topic; group related information; develop topic with facts, definitions, details; use linking words and phrases (e.g., also, another, and, more, but); add illustrations if helpful 4 + Use paragraphs, properly formatted; include headings & multimedia if appropriate; use quotations in support; use more linking words and phrases (e.g., another, because); use precise language & domain vocabulary 5 + Use more linking words (e.g., in contrast, especially); provide a concluding statement or section

Narrative K Combination of drawing, writing, dictating; narrate 2 or more sequenced events or several loosely linked; tell events in order; provide reaction 1 + Provide a sense of closure; give details & temporal words Note: Writing is the only format permissible from grade 1 upward 2 + Present a well-elaborated event or short sequence of events; provide details to describe actions, thoughts, and feelings 3 + Narrate real or imagined events; use descriptive details & clear event sentences; establish situation, narrator, characters; natural event sequence; use dialogue and descriptions to show how characters respond to events and situations 4 + Use a variety of transitional words & phrases; provide sensory details 5 + Use good pacing of events; use transitional clauses (in addition to words and phrases)

How do we teach writing genres?  Focus on differences among the three major genres.  Use plenty of examples (mentor texts).  Use writing prompts from read-alouds and shared reading to teach writing.  Call attention to a writer’s craft.  Use sentence composing to develop an awareness of grammar and expression.

Suggestion for a spring book study Developing Strategic Writers through Genre Instruction: Resources for Grades 3-5 (Guilford Press) Zoi A. Philippakos Charles A. MacArthur David L. Coker