What are literature circles?
There are 11 key ingredients to understanding what successful literature circles look like in the classroom:
- Students pick their own books to read.
- Small groups are formed based on similar book choice. These groups are flexible and temporary.
- Different groups read different books.
- Groups meet on a regular basis to discuss the books that they are reading.
- Students create notes, either handwritten or drawn, to guide reading and discussion.
- Topics of discussion come from the students.
- Group meetings should be natural and open conversations.
- The teacher is a facilitator during literature circles, not a group member or an instructor.
- Student assessment is based on teacher observations and student self-evaluation.
- The classroom should exhibit an element of fun and playfulness.
- After books have been read, the students should share about their reading experiences, and then new groups form around new reading choices.