Literature circle

Template:Mergeto-date Template:Linkless-date Literature Circles are a student's equivalent in the classroom of an adult book club. The aim is to encourage a love of reading in children.

Fundamentals

1. Children choose their own reading materials
2. Small temporary groups are formed, based on book choice
3. Different groups read different books
4. Groups meet on a regular predictable schedule
5. Kids use written or drawn notes to guide both their reading and discussion
6. Discussion topics come from the students
7. Group meetings aim to be open, natural conversations
8. The teacher serves as a facilitator
9. Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation
10. A spirit of playfulness and fun pervades the room
11. New groups form around new reading choices

Children are given mini-lessons on how to participate in a discussion group. To begin with they may be given role sheets to assist them in taking notes on their readind and preparing for the discussion.

Sticky notes (eg PostIt notes) are often distributed by teachers to assist the children to record thoughts about text elements. Clip boards may assist children in using their role sheets when groups use floor space to conduct their discussion.

References

• Daniels, Harvey, (2002) Literature Circles, Voice and Choice in Book Clubs and Reading Groups, Stenhouse Publishers, Portland, Maine, and Pembroke Publishers, Markham, Ontario.