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By Alaina Storck

Literature Circles
structured reading activity that allows powerful, high-

ordered discussion and thinking to go on around good books The intended outcome is high-level literary discussion.

12 Features of a Literature Circle


1) Students choose their own reading material. 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) Students 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 discussions. 8) In newly forming groups, students play a rotating assortment of task roles. 9) The teacher serves as a facilitator. 10) Evaluation is by teacher observation and student selfevaluation. 11) A spirit of playfulness and fun pervades the room. 12) New groups form around new reading choices.

How are L.C organized?


Each student is assigned a specific role:
Discussion Director (discussive

analytical) Literary luminator/passage master (oral/dramatic) Connector (associative) Illustrator(graphic/artistic)

What are the roles of the teacher and the students?


Teacher= Facilitator
Students are responsible for: Developing discussion topics Making reading choices Raising questions Talking Making meaning/ forging connections

What are some things students do in L.Cs?


Read aloud favorite passages
Use specific passages to prove points Focusing in on difficult/meaningful words or phrases

Keep track of time and who does/doesnt speak


Build on each others knowledge and interpretation

Resources
Daniels, Harvey. Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in

the Student-Centered Classroom. Stenhouse Publishers, 1994, ISBN 1-57110-000-8

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