Literature+Circles

**Literature Circles**

**Content** Reading and understanding of novels through peer interaction and discussion.

**Grade Level** Can be used in any grade level (Kindergarten through High School)

**Curriculum Standards** In an 8th grade Reading/Language Arts classroom, this strategy would address the following CSOs: > > *Literature circles can cover these CSOs, as well as many,many others depending on the conversations taking place within the groups. To cover more specific CSOs, students can be given discussion prompts to ensure those skills are being covered.
 * RLA.O.8.1.4- analyze the defining characteristics, build background knowledge and apply reading skills to understand a variety of literary passages and genres by West Virginia, national and international authors: fiction, nonfiction, myths, fantasies, biographies, autobiographies, science fiction, tall tales, supernatural tales
 * RLA.O.8.1.6- determine and interpret the elements of literature to construct meaning and recognize author’s purpose and/or reader’s purpose: theme, character, setting, internal conflict, rising and falling action, point of view, antagonist, protagonist, hero
 * RLA.O.8.1.8- recognize connections among ideas in literary and informational text (e.g. text to self, text-to-text, text to world connection) and recognize that global awareness promotes understanding, tolerance, and acceptance of ethnic, cultural, religious and personal differences.
 * RLA.O.8.1.3- use examples and details in practical texts to make inferences and logical predications about outcomes of procedures in such texts.

**Description of Practices **
Literature circles is a strategy used to promote discussion and interaction with peers through the reading of a book or novel. Students act as a "book club" by discussing the book they are reading and sharing ideas about story elements, connections with the text, characters, etc. How literature circles run in the classroom can be modified to fit the needs of your own classroom and the students. Below is a description of how literature circles can be practiced in the classroom.


 * 1) Students are able to choose their **OWN** book to read.
 * 2) Students are grouped based on their book choice.
 * This can allow for grouping based on ability. If some students are struggling readers, they can be placed in a group with a more advanced reader that can assist them in comprehension and understanding of the book.
 * 1) Based on the schedule the teacher provides, students complete independent reading, homework assignments, book discussions and even journal writing. The setup of literature circles is very flexible and can be modified by the teacher. Most literature circles run using the following format:
 * Students choose their own text to read.
 * Grouping of students is based on text chosen. (Groups can be modified as needed)
 * During the initial meeting of the groups, students make predictions, assign roles (example roles listed below) and decide the amount of reading they will complete for homework.
 * While reading independently, students record thoughts, connections and any ideas they may have to use as discussion guides during group meetings.
 * While in literature circle groups, students discuss what they have read. The discussion prompts are usually provided by students and the atmosphere of these groups is very relaxed to allow for open discussion.
 * While literature circle meetings take place, the teacher acts as a facilitator.
 * Evaluation takes place through teacher observation and self evaluation.
 * When readings are finished, each group can present their understanding to the class. New books are then chosen and new groups are formed.

Examples of roles that can be assigned to students:
 * Summarizer: summarizes the important parts of the story and reports to the group
 * Travel Chaser: keeps track of where important events are happening and reports the settings in detail to the group
 * Connector: makes connections between the text and the outside world.
 * More students roles, descriptions and worksheets for each role can be found at the following site: []


 * Although it is not necessary to assign roles to students, students can be given a sense of responsibility through the use of roles in literature circles.

**Implementation Considerations** Literature circles can be used across all settings. In a whole group setting, many different groups can be formed with 4-5 students in each group. In a small group setting, literature circles can still be used, but may require smaller groups of students or just one group with all of the students in the classroom.

**Example** The following video shows an example of the basic format of literature circles in a middle school classroom. This video shows how the implementation of literature circles may look on a daily basis in the classroom: "http://www.youtube.com/embed/HawgqvAJMsY"

The following video shows an example of literature cirlces in action with middle school students: "http://www.youtube.com/embed/F-W46ApUVDo"

**Citation** Daniels, H. (2002). // Literature circles: Voice and choice in book clubs and reading groups //. Portland, ME: Stenhouse Publishers. Retrieved from http://www.literaturecircles.com/research.htm