Pupils explore writing a short story. In this literature lesson plan, students are introduced to "The Minister's Black Veil." After reading, pupils write their own story with a main character who exhibits some of the characteristics of...

First graders read The Scrambled States of America and discuss whether it is real or fantasy as compared to the United States. In this geography lesson, 1st graders identify their city or state on a map and work in groups to color the...

Explore the elements of a story using the well-known Cinderella story as source material. Learn about setting, character, sequence, exposition, conflict, climax, and resolution.

This slideshow introduces the genre of science fiction. It presents background information, common elements, common themes, pop movies (from books) showing diverse examples, and three specific examples: "Time Machine," "I, Robot," and...

This is the fifteenth article in a series designed to help the new novel author. This article focuses on the genre of historical fiction and the role of the author. Is the author a researcher or a story-teller?

An interesting article concerning the importance of setting to any piece of fiction. Gives good information about how setting affects characters and "world-building."

This slideshow lesson features the genre of historical fiction. It provides background information, common elements, literary examples, and practice. The practice consists of viewing pictures of Stonehenge and the Pyramids and thinking...

A slide show with twenty-two slides about story elements. Includes definitions, information, and examples of character terms, setting terms, plot terms, conflict terms, and more

Literary elements are included in this review exercise. Flashcards are provided for the following words: allusion, antagonist, dialogue, flashback, imagery, protagonist, symbol, dialect, hyperbole, idiom, irony, parody, pun, sarcasm,...

A great article concerning writing children's literature, especially in the area of fantasy or science fiction. The author provides information concerning how to develop characters, creating literary elements, and discusses some pitfalls...

This lesson focuses on the elements of nonfiction including types of nonfiction such as biographies, autobiographies, memoirs, newspaper editorials, speeches, and essays. It features links to a chart of the types of nonfiction and an...

In this lesson, students will learn some ways that writers reveal the complexity of their characters. By closely analyzing one author's characters, they will come to see how their words, actions, and interactions with one another can...

Some excellent guidelines to consider when evaluating your setting in a short story or novel. Discusses the importance of setting, some examples, as well as practical advice in setting your story. W.11-12.3d Sensory/precise lang narratives

A great resource outlining four major ways to make settings appear more real and genuine in fiction. Deals with themes such as motion, experience, mood, and the senses. W.11-12.3d Sensory/precise lang narratives

Simple discussion of the elements of fiction with a specific section devoted to Freytag's Pyramid (aka "basic plot structure"). A good place to start for gathering information on the structure of narrative.

This writing tutorial focuses on helping the aspiring author find a good place to start on his or her fiction.

Do your students' minds go blank when they confront a blank piece of paper? Speedwriting can help them get started with writing as well as come up with topics to write about. They can then incorporate their key ideas and phrases into a...

This site offers a basic understanding of the elements of a story. It clearly defines each literary term.

[Accessible by TX Educators. Free Registration/Login Required] You will learn how to use the elements of linear plot development to determine whether and how conflicts are resolved.

A chart that lists and defines the elements of a story including: character, setting, events, problem, and solution.

Delve into the art of storytelling in this self-guided unit. Multiple topics are covered such as literary genres, the 7 elements of fiction, figurative language, theme, characterization, etc. At the end of the unit, write your own flash...

This slideshow focuses on the genre of mystery; it provides background, compares and contrasts mystery and crime fiction, lists the common elements of mystery, and provides literary examples with Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie novels.

Twenty-six half hour videos on literary analysis for high school students that feature authors, scholars, actors and noted critics. Topics include The Art of the Essay, Setting and Character in Short Fiction, Responding to Literature and...

Worlds of Ursula K. Le Guin tells the intimate coming-of-age story of the Portland, Oregon, housewife and mother of three who forever transformed American literature by bringing science fiction and fantasy into the literary mainstream....