Literature Circles
(basic form)
(adapted from Elaine Jaltema's model
)
(updated
5/3/10
)
Full Version
Learning Intentions: I can select and use strategies before and during reading to help me understand the text, including predicting, asking questions, and making connections.
Criteria: preparedness for meeting: assignment complete, participation in sharing and discussions during the meeting.
A/ To Begin
i) look over the book choice
ii) fill out a choice form: # your choices from 1 - 4
B/ Reading (remember, to help keep your discussions interesting, do not read ahead)
i) 1st meeting:
- go over the assignment, ensure all members understand the expectations and tasks
- set a reading goal for the next weekfor 2nd and subsequent meetings:
- read pages or chapters set as your group's goal (usually about forty pages)ii) keep a Literature Circle duo tang containing your assignment sheets
iii) use your assignment sheets to record pages read and complete weekly assignments
iv) be sure that you are ready for the next meeting (pages read, assignments complete)
C/ Assignment
A) Asking Powerful Questions
a) write down two skinny questions (quick to ask, quick to answer; answer found in text; usually one correct answer)
b) write down two fat questions (carefully thought out answer; answer not found explicitly in the text; no one correct answer; leads to other questions: how, why, I wonder )
B) predict what you think will happen in the next part of the book
C) show your understanding of the events/ characters relationships by rewriting a new storyline for the past chapter/five pages
D) Connections: record one deep connection to a personal experience or a 'big idea' or theme
E) vocabulary: monitor your reading
a) write three words you don't know, look them up, write a definition in your own words
b) note any words or passages that you do not understand
F) complete an additional activity that your group choose (not completed for the first meeting)
G) meeting: assess your readiness for this meeting
H) as a group, set a goal and choose a task for your next meeting
D/ Meetings
i) meet once per week, 20-30 minutes
ii) sit in a circle or around a table
iii) have your supplies (book, notebook, pencil, eraser, highlighter)
iv) begin moving through the assignment (e.g. begin with your skinny and fat questions)
E/ Assessment
i) readiness (all supplies, assignment complete)
ii) participation
iii) written assignment
i) note (using a post-it) powerful paragraphs, explain
ii) note a part where a character makes a difference or makes an important decision, explain
iii) note how a character changes, explain
iv) note your favourite part your read over the past week, explain
*There are three versions for this Literature Circle. The above outline describes the 'full' version (2 page), the process used for the middle of the year. The 'mini' (1 page) may be used in the beginning of year. The 'year-end' (2 page) may be used at the end of the year.