Different Types of Texts
Recognise common types of texts (storybooks, poems, non-fiction); name the author and illustrator and define the role of each in telling or presenting a text
Lesson
Set out your lesson
“Different Types of Texts means noticing whether a piece is a storybook, a poem, or non-fiction, and naming who wrote it (author) and who made the pictures (illustrator) and what each person does. We will sort three samples, name roles, then check a fresh text.”
Bring to the table
- Three short samples: a storybook or fable, a short poem (or nursery rhyme printout), and a simple non-fiction page or labeled fact card
- Paper and pencil for a three-box type chart
Extra for the adult
Worked example. A fable with characters and a lesson is a storybook text. A rhyme with short lines is a poem. A labeled animal fact card is non-fiction. The author writes; the illustrator draws.
Optional challenge. For Different Types of Texts, sort a mixed pile of four covers/pages and explain one clue for each type. Optional: point to how an illustrator’s picture helps a non-fiction idea.
What to notice. Keep one parent note: texts used; type labels; author/illustrator role words; support used. A photo of covers alone cannot record the role definitions. This session samples a few texts, not mastery of every text type.
Share and support
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Teaching approaches
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1 approach
Different Types of Texts means noticing whether a piece is a storybook, a poem, or non-fiction, and naming who wrote it (author) and who made the pictures (illustrator) and what each person does. We will sort three samples, name roles, then check a fresh text.
Spend about 12 minutes sorting story, poem, and non-fiction samples and naming author/illustrator roles, then checking one new text.
Family records and proof options
Keep a record of your learning
Save photos, notes, and attendance. Export a proof packet for compliance or portfolio reviews.
Learning resources
Extra practice links — they do not replace Gakuva’s teaching approach.
Library of Congress · Practice link — not the full lesson
The Fisherman & the Little Fish
Before you open · source notes
The Fisherman & the Little Fish supports noticing different types of texts through a short fable. Not a full novel study.
Free public-domain story text, no sign-in.
Before you openAsk the learner what kind of text this is and name one clue from the page.
Opening this link does not save learning or assess mastery.
Source, access and review notes
Public Library of Congress Read.gov Aesop page. An anonymous GET on 2026-11-12 returned HTTP 200 with no login or payment prompt. The story text is public domain on this page. Opening the link does not save practice or assess mastery. This is reading text, not an automatically marked comprehension quiz.
Library of Congress / Read.gov. “The Fisherman & the Little Fish.” Public-domain text linked only; Gakuva does not copy, host, embed, or redistribute a separate edition.
Unknown — link only
Check understanding
- Distinguish between a story, a poem, and a non-fiction book
- Point to and name the author and illustrator on the cover
- Explain that the author writes the words and the illustrator makes the pictures
“When you hand your child a book, can they tell you whether it's a story or a fact book — and point out the author's name on the cover?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- English
- Domain
- Reading Comprehension
- Age range
- Ages 5–12
Standards