I too am a huge fan of literature circles. Aside from Harvey Daniels books, there are also fabulous resources on the web. Due to state and district mandates, I have reshaped the format to fit the needs of my students and my curriculum. I created "roles" that match up to the reading strategies that need strengthening. I model extensively what a "discussable" question looks and sounds like. I tell them that if the question doesn't cause us to think, talk, and share different opinions, it probably isn't a strong enough question. I start off slowly and then release them when they are ready. Usually I start with a picture book to introduce the roles. I usually remain in the circle with my seriously struggling readers. I also do not give my students complete choice over what they read. I choose books that are connected to our content and they may make a choice within my selection. I now have a group reading a biography of MLK, a group reading Stone Fox, and a group about to start The Owl in the Shower. I have been using lit circles with my third graders for about 5 years now. I build it up all year so that they think it is a privilege that they have earned. I establish the guidelines for interaction and interpretation in my own teaching and by the time they are in their groups they know how to talk to one another respectfully and to have a meaningful discussion of a book. I think that there are far fewer behavior issues than in a controlled environment. It is tremendously exciting and rewarding to sit back and listen to the rich conversation that ensues. Within days the groups generally begin to ask if they can read and do their roles for homework so that they can talk about the book during class. It is so exciting to watch this develop and it has never failed to be successful. I have relinquished the need for control and constant assessment. I collect their role sheets, listen to conversations, and give a formal response to literature to check in on their progress. It is the best of times in my classroom.
-----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of [EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Tuesday, February 05, 2008 7:51 PM To: [email protected] Subject: Re: [MOSAIC] literature circles (Maryanne) I have been following the conversation about literature circles and I too have been struggling with how to truly get a handle on them. I recently read Mini Lessons for Literature Circles by Harvey Daniels and Nancy Steineke and this has helped me tremendously! I implemented new mini-lessons before the actual literature circle starts using short stories so the students get the hang of talking about the different elements of literature. I also made sure there was enough time for the groups to bond. If they don't feel comfortable with each other, they are less likely to share their ideas. When I first group the students, they start with an ice breaker (such as 3 truths and a lie or something like that) then they come up with their own rules and consequences for discussions. I have found that by giving the students the responsibility of making rules and enforcing them, it is the student that is accountable for themselves as well as the rules and consequences. I must say, some of the students have come up with better rules/consequences than I would. As far as the discussions go, in the Mini-Lesson book, there are various strategies to help the students focus on the conversation as well as take turn. One of the ideas that I liked is called "Save the Last Word for Me." This is where one student poses a question or quote to the group and they are not allowed to respond in any way until everyone else in the group has spoken. At first this seems a little awkward for the students, but eventually they get the hang of it and they ALL begin to participate in discussion. It is great  In order for students to prepare for discussion, I model and talk about taking active reading notes using post-it notes. This strategy has been extremely successful and most of the student's come in ready and willing to discuss! As far as supporting struggling readers, before literature circles begin, I make sure there are different choices of a lower leveled text that would appeal to boys and girls. I give book talks and I also talk to the students individually about their choice. Every discussion I assess the student's reading by the post it notes and reflections afterward. Often times with literature circles I try to focus on 1-2 important elements and/or reading strategies that I want the students to master. The daily assessments help me figure out what groups I might need to pay a little more attention to the next discussion. Check out the book! It is a great resource. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive. _______________________________________________ Mosaic mailing list [email protected] To unsubscribe or modify your membership please go to http://literacyworkshop.org/mailman/options/mosaic_literacyworkshop.org. Search the MOSAIC archives at http://snipurl.com/MosaicArchive.
