Mini Lesson Materials: Reading Genres

Hi everyone! I am both really excited and really nervous about this! I've just finished making my first-ever big packet for my shops. It's part of a new series I am making for my class...Mini Lesson Materials.

This all came about because, though I thoroughly enjoy the lessons in our Reader's Workshop model, there really aren't any tangibles for the students. Last year was our first year with this model and I found myself scrambling to make graphic organizers and visuals to go with the various mini lessons. And I just feel this is so key...not only for my newcomer English Language Learners, but for many students who thrive on these kinds of supports.

So I decided to map out what I always create for my students in our Reader's Workshop...and what I would need prepared ahead of time to make my mini lessons more concrete and effective for my students.

I started with Reading Genres, since this is one of the first things we touch upon each year with our upper-elementary students.

This packet is intended for students to build upon and expand their knowledge of reading genres, utilizing the following resources:

• Colorful graphic organizers

I like to project these on the whiteboard when filling out the charts with my students. They can also be printed out for bulletin board displays.

• Grayscale graphic organizers

For students to complete within a mini lesson as a whole group, small group, or individually. We'll be keeping these in our Reading Binders.

• Reader's Responses (to various genres)

This is probably the most important part of Reader's Workshop in my class. We do a ton of whole-group practice with various responses, as well as constant individual student responses. 

These questions are designed to get students thinking about specific genres, make connections to their lives, and think beyond the text. There are 13 Reader's Response questions in this packet...a question for each specific genre plus two response questions for genre in general.

• Signs for Anchor Charts

This one I'm wicked excited about...especially as a fifth grade teacher who is not too artistic with her anchor charts!!! The packet includes titles for each genre, to cut out and tape right to your anchor charts. The signs are designed to pop against the chart paper, while allowing the colored markers you use to stand out nicely.

• A Genre Search

A little twist on the usual genre search and sort we do in class...available in grayscale too :)

• Comparisons of Commonalities

I'd like to get my students thinking about genres that are very similar--how they are alike and what exactly defines them a specific genre. Each of these are available in grayscale as well, for photocopying purposes.

And that's it! 

I have uploaded the file to both of my shops and it is listed as $5.00 (these buttons will take you directly to the packet)...

And I would love to give away a few copies! If you would like to enter for a chance to win a free packet, please do the following:

Leave one comment below with your email--that's all! 

I will use a random number generator to choose three names and announce them on the blog tomorrow. 

Thanks so much for reading!! I look forward to catching up with everyone when I get back home from vacation! :)

Clipart Courtesy of Maree Truelove
Graphics by Miss Tiina at www.misstiina.com