Genre isn't just for reading - why it belongs in your WRITING lessons too!

When we study a text in class, we teach students how to identify the genre. We discuss gothic vs. dystopian, fantasy vs. sci-fi, and how each genre comes with its own expectations, structures, and stylistic aspects. But when it comes to writing, genre often gets forgotten. Genre isn't just for reading - why it belongs in your WRITING lessons too!

Instead, students are handed a generic “write a short story” task, with little direction beyond the basic paragraphing expectations. And while some fly with this freedom, many flounder.

The solution? Make genre part of your approach to teaching writing, not just part of your reading lessons.

Why Genre-Based Writing Works

Genre gives students a framework to build from. It answers questions like:

• What kind of setting does this story need?

• How much mystery or tension should there be?

• What tone/mood fits the story?

Once students understand the patterns and expectations of a genre, they’ll be more confident to take risks in their writing. They will know when to stick to the rules and when to bend them. It will give their writing more direction and helps them think more deeply about what they’re creating.

It Builds Transferable Skills

Teaching writing through genre helps students build real, transferable skills. They learn how to:

• Choose vocabulary that fits the tone and purpose of their story

• Structure their writing in ways that make sense for the genre, not just follow a set template

• Connect character, setting, and conflict so the story feels intentional

• Create mood and atmosphere, which lifts both their creative and descriptive writing

Whether they’re writing a horror story, a personal snapshot, or even unpacking a visual text, these skills carry across.

It Also Boosts Engagement

Let’s be real. Students are far more interested in “What if the mirror didn’t show your reflection, but someone else’s?” than they are in “Write a short story with a beginning, middle, and end.”

Giving them a clear genre to work within fuels their imagination. It also gives structure to their ideas.

Offering a choice, whether it’s mystery, sci-fi, or romance, allows them some ownership and makes it less of a chore.

What It Looks Like in the Classroom

Genre writing doesn’t need to be a huge unit. You can keep it simple. Here’s one structure that works well:

• Pick a genre to focus on

• Read a short example text together

• Break down the key features and writing techniques

• Build a class word-bank

• Let students plan and write their own piece in that style

This gives their writing more direction. It makes your feedback easier to target. The results are clearer, stronger, and often much more creative.

Want to Try a Genre Twist for Free?

If you're curious about how genre shapes student writing, this free Creative Writing Genre Challenge is a fun way to explore it.

Students start by listing all the typical features of a genre, then they’re challenged to write a story in that genre without using any of them. It’s a great way to test their understanding of genre conventions and push their creativity at the same time.

You can download the freebie here and try it with your class as a warm-up, extension task, or even as part of an end-of-unit reflection.

Looking for More?

If your students enjoy the genre challenge and you’re ready to take things further, we’ve created a full series of Creative Writing Genre Packs to support longer pieces of writing.

They’re designed to save you time while helping students build confidence and control in their writing.

There are currently nine genres to choose from. Each one includes a short example text, planning scaffold, word bank, and creative prompts, all tailored to a specific genre.

You can explore the full set:

• On our website here or

• In our TPT store here.

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