How to Incorporate Literature Circles
The integration of literature circles is a popular and effective education practice. Literature circle, or lit circles as they are commonly called, allow students to engage with a text more independently, without the overbearing presence of a teacher. This activity more closely approximates the type of reading that students will do once they leave school. Lit circles facilitate critical student discussion of works of literature and produce improved student understanding as well as increased student enjoyment of the act of reading.
Instructions
-
-
1
Select literature. Lit circles are most effective when they are used in conjunction with high-interest literature selections. Since students are predominantly working independently while completing lit circle assignments, it is vital that they are reading literature in which they are likely to maintain an active interest. Works of contemporary fiction, essays about controversial topics and writings about modern-day events or dilemmas all make great fodder for lit circle discussions.
-
2
Divide students into groups. To have an effective lit circle experience, you will need to divide students into groups no larger than five. It is vital to lit circle success that students engage in active, lively discussion. If groups are too large, some students will sit on the sidelines and effectively avoid participation. If the groups are too small, students will not hear a variety of perspective.
-
-
3
Explain lit circle roles. Within each group, students will perform different roles. List and explain the roles to the students. Tell the students that one group member will be the Discussion Director. This group member will lead the discussion and determine who gets to talk in each portion of the discussion. A second group member will be the Vocabulary Enricher. This group member will note important vocabulary words in the text and help the group members learn the meanings of each of the key words. Another group member will be the Literary Luminary. This group member will select passages of the story that he felt were important and point them out to other group members so they can discuss their significance. A fourth group member will work as the Checker. This individual will constantly look back in the book and check information to make sure that it is correct. Finally, a group member will be the Artistic Adventurer. This group member will create art that conveys a scene from the book. Some teachers like to employ worksheets that outline each group member's goals, while others simply explain and let the students develop their own format. Teachers should determine whether detailed worksheets are necessary by considering the independence of their students.
-
4
Allow groups to meet and assign roles. Once students understand each role, they need to meet with their groups and assign roles. At times students may fight over roles. Assure students that they will have opportunities to complete all roles at some point, so bickering is not necessary.
-
5
Set aside reading time. Take 30 to 45 minutes out of your class daily and allow students to read silently. While students are reading, monitor their activity. Watch for signs of frustration and help any student who appears to be experiencing difficulty.
-
6
Arrange group meetings. The culmination of your lit circle activity is the group meeting. Have groups meet and present the work they have done for their different roles to the groups. Allow time for discussion of the piece being read as students may be enthusiastic and desire to share their findings with peers. Dependent upon the length of the piece of literature, you may want students to meet more than once during the course of reading. Lit circles are a naturally flexible tool. Do not feel confined to one method of using lit circles. Use them as you see fit to improve the reading comprehension level and independent work ethic of your students.
-
1
