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Taking the Literature Out of Literature Circles

What is a literature circle?. According to Harvey Daniels (1994), the founding father of literature circles, they should be: Students choose their own reading materials Small temporary groups are formed, based upon book choiceDifferent groups read different books Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule to discuss their readingKids use written or drawn notes to guide both their reading and discussion Discussion topics come from the studentsGroup meetings aim to be open, natural conv33885

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Taking the Literature Out of Literature Circles

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    1. A multi-disciplinary approach to student-centered classrooms Taking the “Literature” Out of Literature Circles

    2. What is a literature circle? According to Harvey Daniels (1994), the founding father of literature circles, they should be: Students choose their own reading materials Small temporary groups are formed, based upon book choice Different groups read different books Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule to discuss their reading Kids 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 conversations about books, so personal connections, digressions, and open-ended questions are welcome In newly-forming groups, students may play a rotating assortment of task roles The teacher serves as a facilitator, not a group member or instructor Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation A spirit of playfulness and fun pervades the room. When books are finished, readers share with their classmates, and then new groups form around new reading choices.

    3. Practicality vs. Purity While choice is difficult to offer in the CAPT, SAT and political climate of high school, find opportunities for students to make choices about what they read and where they direct their course of study. Let research be your guide. Research tells us what works. Our modifications our simply experiments and may undo curricular objectives. How can you take literature away from this concept?

    4. Where Lit. Circles Fit in “Best Practice” Classrooms Daniels and Bizar's Methods that Matter Model Integrative Units Thematic/Interdisciplinary Studies, Problem/Project-Based Learning, Negotiated Curriculum Small Group Activities Partners, Teams, Group Investigations, Centers, Peer Writing Groups, Literature Circles Representing-to-Learn Written and Graphic Thinking; Journals, Logs, Sketchbooks Classroom Workshop Studio/Laboratory Method; Teacher and Peer Conferences; Process, Practice, Modeling Authentic Experiences Real Materials, People, Places; Primary Sources, Simulations; Community Research & Service Reflective Assessment Student Goal-Setting and Reflection; Formative focus; Parent-Teacher-Student Partnership Reading Workshop Teacher-Directed, Independent Reading (SSR)

    5. Foreign Language A reading, unit of study, or group of stories can be presented to students. For example: “Today, we will begin a unit about clothing and shopping for clothing. In this unit we will learn about:” Getting dressed Types of clothing Places to shop Where to wear certain types of clothing Designing clothing Advising others about styles and types of clothes In this format, you offer students a choice within the unit to explore a topic of interest to them. Groups form, projects develop, vocabulary grows. These groups eventually teach other the unit through presentations, pamphlets – any activity that you as a teacher might plan and implement.

    6. Math Problems are stories that require the students to find the climactic moment for which they have to figure out the ending. Math problems and math concepts can be structured along the lines of a literature circle. Roles within the group can be chosen and called upon for the purpose of solving the problem. Using the strengths of others can shore up the weaknesses in ourselves. One of the tenets behind literature circles is to rely on each other to develop both a personal and a group interpretation. Example: CAPT problem and role sheets (Workshop activity)

    7. Math Activity for “Lit. Circle”

    8. Math

    9. Science A unit in science can also become a chance for students to explore components in depth and by interest level. Students study cells, cell structure, cell growth, cell division, osmosis and mitosis. While all students are required to learn about these concepts, ideas and theories, they can form investigative teams based on their interest. Student-developed projects, student-led discussions, presentations, student-centered lessons emerge from the circle or group formed by a common interest. Students and teacher communicate new learning to class.

    10. Social Studies Covering an era can seem like a year-long endeavor rather than a 4- or 6-week unit of study. An era of history can be seen as a puzzle, with key pieces that need investigation and exploration before it can become part of the whole. Teachers can offer readings on various battles of the Civil War or various figures during the Roaring 20s. Students can choose what interests them and form investigative groups or circles to explore the readings, find others and keep records of their work.

    11. Other disciplines Examining Daniels’ model for literature circles, other disciplines can use this group model to bring students together to read textbook chapters and units, articles, short biographies – virtually any written works that would contribute to the students’ understanding of concepts and ideas. Self-assessment is a key component to Daniels’ work and forces students to be accountable for their actions and the actions of their group. Choice is a key component to Daniels’ concept. Why? Because it is the key to empowerment, which leads to independence in learning.

    12. Integrating Writing Strategies Advertisement: Students write an advertisement for a particular character from the character’s point-of-view. For example, Chillingsworth in Hawthorne’s Scarlet Letter might advertise his healing herbs. “To Do” List for a Character: I have had success asking my students to create “to do” lists for the characters in the story, usually as a review at the end of a section. The list should contain three or four items, going from general to specific, until the last item makes it clear – for those who read – who wrote the list. Letter-Writing between Two Characters: Students can write imaginary letters between two characters. This works well if different literature circles are working on the same novel. Each group writes a letter for a particular character and sends it to the “character” in another literature circle. It’s even more fun when the character “writes” back. This can become a whole group discussion about the letter and the response and whether or not it leads to real understanding of theme, author’s intent and people’s intentions and motivations toward each other. This can also work well between two figures in history. Judging a student’s understanding of history can start with how well they can assume historical personas to recreate events or imagine how people thought and felt in incredible situations.

    13. Will you or won’t you? How likely are you to use some variant of literature circles in your classroom?

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