Another way of presenting Literature circles

Literature CirclesWhat are they and why should we do them?

What is a literature circle?

Let’s look at what the experts say…

“Small, peer-led discussion groups whose members have chosen to read the same article, poem, book, or novel and talk about it with each other” (Daniels & Steineke, 2004)

“Structured reading that allows powerful, high-ordered discussion and thinking to go on around good books. Sophisticated literary discussions are the outcome” http://www.sdcoe.k12.ca.us/score/promising/tips/tipcircles.html

“Literature study provides opportunities to discuss how authors create and craft quality literature. By choosing the literature and by recording their responses and insights as they read, students take ownership of their learning. They participate in reflective discussions about literature within supportive group environments” http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/elemelasup/gradefive/lesson_act/mysterylessonplans.pdf

Literature Circles are…Made up of groups with 4-6 students

Based on a selected text that YOU have chosen

Student-centered NOT teacher-centered

More about Lit Circles

Each group has a different novel

They meet on a regular and predictable basis

Groups get to schedule the reading and roles for each week

Each meeting you have a different role in the group

What are the roles for Literature Circles?

Discussion DirectorPassage Master

ConnectorIllustrator

Word Wizard

Discussion DirectorYour job is to develop a list of questions that your group might want

to discuss about this part of the book and direct the discussion by asking each member for their input based on their current role.

Don't worry about the small details; your task is to help people talk over the "big ideas" in the reading and share their reactions.

The Discussion Director also has to be sure every person in the group participates (sharing their roles), while keeping the conversation organized and productive.

Lastly the Discussion Director is the “unofficial” timekeeper.

Passage MasterYour job is to locate three sections of the text that you think your

group would like to read aloud and discuss. The idea is to help people remember some interesting, powerful, funny, puzzling, or important sections of the text. You decide which passages or paragraphs are worth hearing, and then jot plans for how they should be shared.  

The passages you choose should vary. Here are some suggestions:

Surprising/Startling

Confusing (Something you wonder if other group members understood)

Descriptive Writing (Figurative language, strong verbs, other literary devices)

Important (Foreshadowing, themes, symbol)

Controversial event (Elicits different opinions from group members)

ConnectorYour job is to connect the contents of the reading selection

to current or past real world events and experiences. You will also connect the reading to other forms of literature, music, art and/or media.

Text to Text: Relate current reading to other books, short stories, poems, movies art, television, music and other media.

Text to Self: Relate current reading to real experiences you or others have had.

Text to World: Relate current reading to real situations.

IllustratorYour job is to draw some kind of picture related to the reading. It

can be a sketch, cartoon, diagram, flow chart or collage.

You can draw a picture of something that's discussed specifically in your book, or something that the reading reminded you of, or a picture that conveys any idea or feeling you got from the reading.

Remember, the illustration should be neat and you need to show you have put some thought into the image.

Word WizardYour job is to locate difficult words in the assigned reading selection

and define them, as well as, use them in an excellent sentence. Be sure you are reading critically and closely.

Remember, any word you come across that you do not know you should look it up!

You should have a MINIMUM of 5 words.

Think of creative and alternative ways to get your group to learn the vocabulary words: word search, cross word puzzle, poem, wacky story, etc.

Why do literature circles?

to promote student choice based on interests

to develop personal responses to a text

to experience peer sharing of understandings, interpretations, and comments about a text

to extend comprehension of literary selections

to practice discussion, negotiation, compromise and decision-making in a group setting

to develop appreciation of authors' styles

to develop good reading strategies

to develop higher level thinking skills

Effective Lit Circle BehaviorKeep your eyes on the person who is speaking

Keep your mind focused on the discussion

Ask questions

Keep comments text-based and not personal

One speaker at a time

Respect your peers

Try to piggyback on comments

Remember this is a DISCUSSION—NOT A DEBATE

Ineffective Lit Circle BehaviorTalk to members of a different group

Do not participate

Come to your discussion unprepared (Remember: your group is counting on you!)

Disrespect your peers

Do not take this seriously—Remember your grade will reflect your work ethic and attitude!

Schedule for Lit Circle Meetings

Friday, January 9th: Initial Meeting with your group; create your calendar and schedule of reading

Tuesday, January 13th: 1st Meeting

Friday, January 16th: 2nd Meeting

Tuesday, January 20th: 3rd Meeting

Friday, January 23rd: 4th Meeting

Friday, January 30th: Final Discussion Day

HOMEWORK

Read the short story “Sniper” by Liam O’Flaherty and complete your assigned role for the literature circle.

Be prepared to spend the class period tomorrow discussing the short story!