Over the past 6 weeks, students have been engaging with Literature circles during learning time. In Literature Circles, students gather in small groups to discuss a common text. Students are assigned chapters and roles on a weekly basis and then once a week come together to share their findings. Literature Circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. They are intended as a context in which to apply reading and writing skills.
The process involved with Literature Circles began with students selecting a text they felt most enticed them. With a variety of offerings, students perused the books, read the first few pages and then made their selections using a preferential ballot.
Once their books were chosen, over three weeks the students were introduced to all of the roles that they would encounter during Literature Circles. Students were guided through the roles, with examples provided and conferenced with the teacher when work was completed. Below are the roles the students engage with on a rotational basis. Click through the slide show to become familiar with the roles:
Over the course of the year, the need for these formal roles will dissipate, with students hopefully engaging in meaningful conversations that are student driven.
This week, students had their first official Literature Circle meeting, that resulted in great conversations about plot predictions, authors intent and characterisation.
Happy Reading!