Name: ______Novel: ______
Literature Discussion Circles
Within your discussion circles, you will rotate through these roles each week, so each member should act in four different roles by the end of our discussion circle circuit. Your presence during these discussions is imperative. Your grade for each discussion will consist of the following: 30 points for completed written work and 20 points for your contribution to the discussion (50 points/week).
Please Note: Students who are absent will be responsible for their role assignment and answering the Discussion Director's questions.
1. Discussion Director
a. Prepare a set of ten (10) different-leveled questions that may be addressed in the group discussion.
b. Lead and drive the discussion of the personally prepared questions and input from each of the other members’ role assignments while maintaining discussion relevance (staying on topic) and freely flowing, conflict-free participation by all members.
2. Passage Master
a. Create a “quote journal” that identifies four (4) key quotes and examines each one by explaining it and analyzing its significance to the text.
b. Follow correct MLA format for your quotations.
3. Connector
a. Provide written documentation in regards to making connections between the text world and the real world.
b. You should bring two pieces of evidence:
(1) Documentation of the real world connection
(2) Written explanation of the connection to the text world and personal reflection
4. Illustrator/Note Taker
a. Offers visual responses and explanation of the connection to the written text. (Note: Stick figure drawings and last-minute sketches will NOT be accepted. Take pride in your work.)
b. Completes the Literature Circle Discussion Log, making note of each group member's contributions during the week's discussion and
5. DIDLS Analyzer
a. Focus on “DIDLS” (diction, imagery, detail, language, and syntax).
b. Bring one example of each stylistic device for a total of five (5) examples from the text with an explanation and analysis of the author’s purpose for each.
6. Character/ Conflict Tracker
a. Find five pieces of textual evidence that either indirectly characterize one of the characters in the book OR highlight the presentation of internal/external conflicts that are significant to our perception of the character or the author’s tone and message.
b. Response ideas- explain a significant quote, explain how the passage gives insight into a character, or explain how the conflict develops/affects the character.
Discussion Expectations: The goal of each “role” is to inspire discussion on a variety of topics; it is not for each person to give a mini-presentation of his or her homework. After one person provides a detail of his or her assigned task, the other members of the group should respond with their thoughts, opinions or counterpoints. Multiple members of the group must respond to each question from the discussion director.
I will assess the group based on the continued discussion (lasting until the end of the designated discussion time), so be sure to ask group members follow-up questions. All members should contribute; try not to let one member dominate. All books must be open and the discussion should point to specifics. You will be given an individual participation grade for each discussion day based on your reading notes and contributions to the discussion.
1. Discussion Director ______
2. Passage Master ______
3. Connector ______
4. Illustrator/Note Taker ______
5. DIDLS Analyzer ______
6. Character/ Conflict Tracker ______
1. Discussion Director ______
2. Passage Master ______
3. Connector ______
4. Illustrator/Note Taker ______
5. DIDLS Analyzer ______
6. Character / Conflict Tracker ______
1. Discussion Director ______
2. Passage Master ______
3. Connector ______
4. Illustrator/Note Taker ______
5. DIDLS Analyzer ______
6. Character/ Conflict Tracker ______
1. Discussion Director ______
2. Passage Master ______
3. Connector ______
4. Illustrator/Note Taker ______
5. DIDLS Analyzer ______
6. Character/ Conflict Tracker ______