Realistic Fiction
Realistic fiction is known as either contemporary realistic fiction (CRF) or modern realistic fiction (MRF), and just like the how it sounds realistic means real. Mostly, when I teach realistic fiction I tell my student that the characters and story could have actually happened in real life, and the settings has some real world effect. Realistic Fiction is a great way of teaching the different types of fiction especially when it comes to state testing, and once students know the difference it makes test questions more reasonable to pick out. One skill that my students learn in "G.A.P." G is for genre the students put "RF" for realistic fiction, A is for author's purpose, and P is for point of view, when it comes to realistic fiction the author's purpose is to entertain. One book that I use is Where the Red Fern Grows by Wilson Rawls and students get a better understanding of who the character, Billy, his coon-hound dogs, and setting. This story comes alive and students can learn about the location of the Ozarks, the Great Depression, animals, hunting competitions, and responsibilities for getting what you want like Billy did. Lastly, students could even diagnosis books to see which books meet the requirements of realistic fiction and what makes them realistic fiction.
Nonfiction
Nonfiction is the opposite of fiction and that it means the books contain true facts and information. Nonfiction type of books can be narrative and expository in there approach of biographies, autobiographies, and memoirs. One important thing that I did learn within this assignment is that nonfiction doesn't have one set template to write and explain the facts. Usually, my students identify these test stories a lot easier, because they come up either as procedural or informative about a particular topic; like duck calling competitions. Upon teaching how to identify nonfiction my students must check information, graphic organizers, or any other text features. I like the idea of students checking reviews, additional books on the same topics or theme, and checking online to verify information that has been read.
Fantasy and Science Fiction
This is one of my favorite subjects to talk about because my imagination runs wild in this particular genre. The make believe ideas are great for students to really get into and many of them don't realize that this particular fiction still deals with human emotions and situations. For example, The Hunger Games falls into this genre because of its post apocalyptic/dystopia feel and how the people in the story are chosen to compete in a dangerous game to win or die. Of course, what some students do see is how the character, Katness, makes a ultimate sacrifice to protect her sister and at the same time survive the game while changing the rules. I ask my students, "Could you make a sacrifice like Katness?" It really makes students think of themselves and their own beliefs. If students say they don't like fantasy or science fiction then I would say you don't like mythical creatures existing, zombies, robots, space travels, or anything that they ever imagines? I've always been a sucker when it comes to reading Roald Dahls, The Witches and The BFG to my students who get a kick out of my story telling and learning about fantasy fiction where giants and witches exist. How teachers could actually be witches which made my students laugh and stare at me.
Graphic Novels (GN)
This is a new popular format that is making itself known in my elementary school. GN resemble comic books in its format but the length and its narrative development depicts a story. Most GN's that I see my students get are the Marvel and DC which they read about superheroes like Batman and The Avengers. Of course, fantasy and science fiction is about the same as graphic novels in that it depicts human emotions and their situations. When I review this format I reinforce the idea that even though it looks like a comic book it really tells a story and lesson. For example, El Deafo is a graphic novel and it shows how the main character accepts her deafness as being unique and it doesn't make her weird just different. Graphic novels could help the most reluctant reader and even show students another format to read and learn.
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