Reading Genres for Elementary Students
Understanding different reading genres is an essential part of literacy development. This guide explains the most common fiction, nonfiction, and literary genres taught in elementary classrooms and explains why exposure to a wide range of genres helps students become stronger readers.
Table of Contents
- Why Teaching Different Genres Matters
- Fiction Genres
- Nonfiction Genres
- Other Literary Genres
- Genre Resources for Teachers
Why Teaching Different Genres Matters
Teaching genre helps students become thoughtful, independent readers.
- Improves Comprehension: Each genre follows predictable structures that help students understand text.
- Builds Critical Thinking: Students learn to compare themes, characters, and purposes across genres.
- Expands Vocabulary: Different genres expose readers to varied language patterns.
- Builds Background Knowledge: Reading widely supports learning across subjects.
- Encourages Reading Choice: Students discover genres they enjoy.
Fiction Genres
Picture Books
Picture books tell stories primarily through illustrations, sometimes with limited or no text. They support oral language, comprehension, and early literacy skills.
Traditional Literature (Folklore)
Traditional literature includes stories passed down orally over generations and often reflects cultural values.
Folktales
Folktales are stories about ordinary people or animals that serve to explain human behavior or natural events.
Fairy Tales
Fairy tales are stories that involve magic, enchanted characters, and clear themes of good versus evil.
Fables
Fables are short stories that impart a moral lesson, frequently featuring animals as characters.
Pourquoi Tales
Stories that elucidate the origins or reasons behind the creation of something in nature are known as “Pourquoi Tales.”
Trickster Tales
Trickster tales are humorous stories that showcase a clever character who outsmarts others.
Legends
Exaggerated stories based on real people or events.
Other Fiction Genres
Myths
Ancient stories, often involving gods or supernatural beings, provide explanations for the world and human behavior.
Tall Tales
American stories often feature exaggerated characters and impossible feats.
Historical Fiction
Stories set in real historical periods with fictional characters.
Fantasy
Fantasy is characterized by imaginative stories that incorporate elements of magic or the impossible.
Science Fiction
Stories based on future technology or scientific possibilities.
Realistic Fiction
Stories with believable characters and events that could happen in real life.
Mystery
Stories focused on solving a problem or crime.
Adventure
These are fast-paced stories that involve danger, travel, or excitement.
Nonfiction Genres
Informational Text
Texts that offer factual information about real-world topics fall under this category.
Biography
A nonfiction account of a real person’s life.
Autobiography and Memoir
Texts written by authors about their own lives and experiences.
Other Literary Genres
Poetry and Drama
Poetry uses rhythm and imagery to express ideas and emotions. Drama includes plays written for performance.
Genre Resources for Teachers
Free genre worksheets and activities are available at:
eReading Worksheets – Genre Resources
This page was last updated on January 1, 2026.
Return to Home
For an optional editable document of this page, please visit
Instant Downloads.