Analysis of different types of literature promotes cognitive development by giving students an opportunity to apply similar skills and strategies discussed in one genre--fiction, for example--to other genres like poetry, reports, descriptive pieces, and plays. The major intellectual function that each literary genre provides can be examined in terms of schema theory. In schools where writing is used as a means to promote clear thinking, it appears that reading a variety of literary genres has a related positive effect on writing. One genre that might be effective as a beginning point, and is particularly enjoyable for children, is folktales. Folktales are common in all countries, universal in nature. Through the use of a simple genre like the folktale, educators can help children understand that there are different types of literature. It is not necessary for children to define every piece of literature that they read, though the elementary school curriculum should provide a wide range of genres. (RS)