RE 4030 SL Smiley
Literature Circles
Literature Circles is an activity that involves all students to succeed regardless of reading level or reading ability. (This is the main reason I like it!) Students work in small groups and discuss the book they are currently reading. Each student is assigned a “role” which engages her in critical thinking, thoughtful discussion, and analytical activities. At first, the teacher leads the group through the activities and discussion, but as the students learn how to conduct the discussion sessions, the teacher becomes more of an observer. Literature Circle groups have advantages over other book discussion groups because they:
ü Utilize cooperative learning strategies as well as social cooperative learning skills
ü Provide opportunities for all students to succeed
ü Give students ownership of learning (develops purpose) because they are leading and directing the discussion
ü Encourage students to be positive members of a literate classroom community
ü Call for multiple readings of the text
ü Provide the teacher with opportunities to differentiate instruction both based on ability and interests
ü Allow for easy individual assessment
ü Capitalize on how students personally respond to various types of literature
Most often, a Literature Circle group is 3-5 students. Each student has an assigned role to complete prior to coming to the discussion. Roles rotate within the group depending upon the length of the book and the grade level of the students involved. Roles are usually determined by the teacher. The number and frequency of group meetings may vary based on grade level, length of book, and other factors. Be patient when first beginning Literature Circles in your classroom. With practice and familiarity, students will participate more and more and discussions will move from artificial to a natural discussion.
Roles include (but are not limited to): Discussion Director, Word Huntsman (Word Wizard or Wordsmith), Character Sketcher, Scene Setter, Passage Picker (Literary Luminary), Fact Finder, Author Authority, History Connector
Your assignment is to complete 3 of the attached role sheets (per my directions) and come to class prepared to “act out” your role in a group discussion setting. In addition, you are to design your own role sheet that easily relates to Polar Bears Past Bedtime as well as a student invitation. J
Role Sheets Designed By SL Smiley (2007) and reproducibles are from 20 Reproducible Literature Circle Role Sheets for Grades 1-3 (Moen, 2000) and 25 Reproducible Literature Circle Role Sheets for Fiction and Nonfiction Books, Grades 4-8 (Moen, 2004)
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