Literature Circles

An explanation of literature circle roles and expectations in

Mrs. Schwartzmiller’s class.

What are literature circles?

• A group of students who select a book to read based on their interest.

• Each student contributes to the group by completing a job.

• The group is student-led. The teacher is a participant and guide in the discussion.

• Literature circles are like book clubs where participants choose a novel, read it, and discuss it.

Literature Circle Expectations

• Each group member is responsible for reading the assignment and completing his/her job BEFORE your group meets.

• The group must assign themselves at least 30 pages to read before the next meeting.

• All literature circle completed jobs must be stapled to group cover sheet and placed in inbox by the end of the 40 minute session.

Five Basic Literature Circle Jobs

• Discussion Leader• Illustrator• Read Aloud Master• Sequencer• Word Webs

Literature Circle Essential Questions

• How can I participate in group discussions?

• How do I appropriately respond to the opinions of others?

• How can I be an effective listener?

Discussion Leader

Essential Questions• How does forming questions during reading help me to

understand text?• How does questioning during reading help me to connect

new information to what I already know?

• Expectations– Create 12 questions– 3 questions need to use comprehension strategy of the week– Questions relate to overall main idea, not nit-picky details

Illustrator

Essential Question• How does an author’s use of imagery help me to

visualize what I’m reading?

• Expectations- Colorful- Picture should relate to something important in the book

- Requires more effort than stick figures

Read Aloud MasterEssential Questions

• How do we determine the author’s purpose for writing a selection?

• How does reading fluently help me comprehend text?

Expectations- 6 passages selected and noted author’s purpose for including - Mark passages with sticky notes

Sequencer

Essential Question• How does sequencing events help me

understand text?

Expectations- 8 important events- Number events in the correct order on the back of the strips- Cut events into strips and present in mixed-up order

Word WebsEssential Questions

• How do I use context clues to understand meanings of words?

• How can we use synonyms and antonyms of words?• How do I use a dictionary to find meanings of words?

Expectations- Select 4 new or interesting words from the section read- Create 4 categories that are suitable to use with each word

When your group is finishedComplete the cover sheet and staple completed sheets to make

a group packet.

ResourceMorris, B. & Perlenfein, D. (2003). Literature circles:

The way to go and how to get there (Grades 4 – 8). Westminster, CA: Teacher Created Resources.