This interactive PowerPoint discusses genres and how they can be taught using technology. It follows Pennsylvania academic standards for reading literature and nonfiction. Genres allow us to explore different worlds and perspectives. The PowerPoint is intended for 4th or 5th graders and addresses multiple learning styles. Using technology can engage students already familiar with it and enhance topics through interactive projects, but not all students have computer access or skills.

1. Characteristics of Genres
Interactive PowerPoint
By Paul Havanko
Hamburg Area School District

2. PA Academic Standards
• This interactive PowerPoint follows the
following Pennsylvania Standards:
– 1.3.5 A Read and understand works of literature
– 1.3.5 F Read and respond to nonfiction and fiction
including poetry and drama

3. Application to Other Areas
• Genres reflect our own interests and identities
• Allow us to escape into a world and characters in
which we can identify
• We all love an exciting story
• Some material encourages people to think about
morales
• Points out injustices and evils in the world
• We learn about new, unfamiliar topics from
different angles

4. Teaching Strategies
• Genres are a unit introduced to 3rd grade
audiences
• My interactive PowerPoint is geared towards
the 4th or 5th grade students who have already
been introduced to the concept but require
review and reinforcement
• Students view the interactive PowerPoint as in
introduction and review at the beginning of
the school year

5. Teaching Strategies
• Benefits:
– Helps engage students who are already using
technology for social interactions
– Addresses a variety of learning styles
• Visual-verbal – reading/writing
• Visual-nonverbal – using graphics, symbols, images
• Auditory (aural) - listening
• Kinesthetic/tactile – doing, experiencing, practicing

6. Social/Ethical Concerns
• Using technology can help make students
more interested and creative in their learning.
• Students can find new ways to express their
creativity and expression in creating different
projects.
• Interactive PowerPoints can enhance topics
and projects that students can easily create
and use in their learning.

7. Social/Ethical Concerns
• Interactive PowerPoints and technology allow
teachers to vary their teaching style.
• Students become bored with the every day
lectures; variety with technology can spark
interest and enthusiasm towards a topic.
• Many students may also be more willing to
complete assignments if they are given variety
in ways that the assignments can be
completed.

8. Social/Ethical Concerns
• However:
– Not all students are not computer literate and do
not have computers at home.
– Students or their parents may not like using
computers to enhance learning.