Your Guide to Teaching the Elements of Literature at Different Levels

Early Readers - Kindergarten to Second Grade

• Identify FICTION vs NON-FICTION
  
• Compare fantasy, realism, historical fiction, realistic fiction
  
• Identify the MAIN CHARACTER.
  
• Discuss what the main character learned? What is the MORAL of the story?

Junior Readers - 3rd to 5th Grade

• Review the elements listed for K - 2nd grade (above)
  
• Describe the SETTING.
  
• Do a CHARACTER SKETCH (what were the characters like)
  
• Discuss CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT (how the main character changes from beginning to end).
  
• Identify the CONFLICT and TYPE of PLOT.
  
• Analyze the MORAL of the story.

Middle School - 6th through 8th Grades

• Review the elements taught in the younger grades. (above)
  
• Continuing exploring CHARACTER DEVELOPMENT.
  
• Evaluate the PURPOSE or message of the author.
  
• Analyze The ACTION PLOT (exposition, rising action, crisis, falling action, denouement.) using the Action Plot Handout.

High School - 9th Grade and Above

• Analyze the PHILOSOPHY of the author.
  
• Define and identify the LITERARY ELEMENTS (the terms in CAPS) for the different ages above. Develop a glossary of terms at the secondary level with examples.

More Help and Ideas

Click here to return from Elements of Literature to the LITERATURE MAIN PAGE.