What+are+Literature+Circles

What is a literature circle? 

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Literature circles are small group, student run "book talks."

Features of a literature circle:


 * Children select their own reading material.
 * Small temporary groups are formed, based on book choice.
 * Different groups read different books.
 * Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule.
 * Students use written or drawn notes to guide both their reading and discussion.
 * Discussion topics come from the students.
 * Group meetings aim to be open, natural discussions. (Often the conversations digresses to topics related to the students or loosely to the book, but should eventually return to the novel.)
 * Teacher is facilitator, observer, listener, and often a fellow reader along side the students. The teacher is not an instructor.
 * The students are given roles, or jobs, to complete for each group meeting.
 * Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation and should also included extension projects.
 * New groups form around new reading choices.

(Daniels, 1994)

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Resources Literature Circle Resource Center What is a Literature Circle Literature Learning Ladders