How to Use Literature Circles in Science Class
A literature circle is a group of students that meets regularly to discuss one or more books. The usual size of a literature circle is four to six students. Each student performs an assigned role that helps facilitate the discussion. In a science classroom, the literature circles can improve the learning experience. They help the students to think critically about what they have read, and help them to understand that different texts may present similar material in different ways.
Things You'll Need
- Handouts describing roles (optional)
- Self-stick removable notes (optional)
Instructions
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Preparation
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1
Decide if everyone will read the same book. Circles where all the members read the same book are called text focused. Circles where the members read different books about the same topic are called topic focused. Topic focused circles allow students with different reading abilities to participate equally, each student reading a book appropriate to his or her literacy level.
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Identify the roles for the students to perform in their circles. Typical roles include facilitator, illustrator, and recorder. In an article in Science and Children, Straits and Nichols identify the following roles for literature circles in science classrooms: science translator, science biographer, fat finder, word wizard, everyday life connector, and science sleuth.
Optionally, prepare a sheet for each role identifying the tasks and responsibilities of that role. You can use the sheets as handouts to help the students remember their jobs
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3
Gather an assortment of books for the students to read. If everyone in a literature circle will read the same book, be sure you have six copies of each title. Science books and biographies of scientists are good choices, but fiction with a science theme can also be appropriate.
Implementation
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Present literature circles to the students, explaining how the circles will work and what the roles will be. With the students, develop the "rules of the road." Let them define the etiquette that will be followed. Discuss how to participate in meaningful and respectful discussions. Develop a list of prompts to help them formulate their comments. For example, "I think that..." or "I wonder if..."
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Present the available books, and guide the students in selecting the book or books to be read.
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Assign the students to literature circles. If everyone in a circle will read the same book, assign the students based on their book choices. Assign the starting roles. If you have prepared handouts describing the roles, distribute them.
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Set aside time every day for the students to read. Optionally, give every student a pad of self-stick removable notes. They can use the notes to flag passages they want to discuss, and to write comments or questions.
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Set a regular time for the literature circles to meet. Typically, literature circles meet once a week. Allow the students to conduct the meetings and to lead the discussions. You should act as an observer and occasional facilitator rather than an active participant. Rotate the student roles so that students do not have the same responsibility every week.
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Schedule a time for each circle to make a presentation to the class about their book or topic. The presentation might be a model or drawing, a play, or other creative expression to share what they learned in the literature circle.
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Tips & Warnings
Build slowly. If you and your students are not experienced with literature circles, start with the basics. Don't introduce too many roles and requirements the first time.
As with any classroom activity--be flexible!
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Biology classroom image by Andrejs Pidjass from Fotolia.com stacked books image by Chad McDermott from Fotolia.com
