How to Start Literature Circles for the Ninth Grade

Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet" is a common reading choice for ninth-graders.

Book clubs offer adults the chance to discuss books and benefit from the insights of other members. A ninth-grade literature circle uses the same concept, teaching students the skills to understand and talk about books in a meaningful way.

Instructions

1. Choose books appropriate for ninth-graders. Many young adult books deal with characters that are about the students' age. "Romeo and Juliet" a common assignment for high school students, for example. Many modern books deal with complex themes of interest to teenagers. Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" series is an example, along with "Go Ask Alice." These books give teens a chance to discuss complex and possibly disturbing issues comfortably.

2. Create a discussion schedule. If, like many teachers who start literature circles, you choose several books make a schedule ensuring that everyone in the class finishes the books at about the same time and can start the next book at the same time. Include in-class reading time and discussion. An effective schedule might include three days of discussion group and two days of in-class silent reading. If you include reading aloud as part of the group discussion, adjust your schedule accordingly.

3. Divide the students into groups. Later, encourage them to form their own groups based on the books they are reading, teaching them how to lead a group. Start by having all students read the same book at the same time. Lead the discussion and encourage students to talk about the books in the larger group. Once they have an understanding of this, they should do better in small groups.

4. Assign written responses and have students read them to their group. This encourages them to use their language and critical thinking skills. They should talk about all of the elements of literature, including characterization, plot, the era when the book was written and influences on the author's point of view.

5. Assign written reports on some of the books to further encourage students' writing and improve their research skills.

References

• Good Reads: 9th Grade: Popular Books
• Shakespeare Navigators: Links to Miscellaneous Lesson Plans
• Read, Think, Write: Literature Circles: Getting Started
• Literature Circles Resource Center: Overview
• Literature Circles Resource Center: The Research and Best Practice Foundation for Literature Circles
• Literature Circles Resource Center: Choosing Books for Literature Circles

Resources

• ABC Teach: Literature Circles