Literature Circles In the Classroom

1. Literature CirclesIn the Classroom Back to School Night 2004 Ms. Corsover

2. Self – Regulated Learning • Self-regulated learning : the ultimate goal of modern education. • Defined as a student who takes responsibility for: • Goal-setting • Planning • Self-motivation • Attention control • Application of learning strategies • Self-monitoring, evaluation, and reflection

3. Co-regulated learning (Shared planning) Co-regulated Learning • A reasonable bridge between directed learning and self-regulated learning Directed Learning (Teacher driven) Self-regulated Learning (Student driven)

4. Literature circles are a perfect example of co-regulated learning!

5. Characteristics of a Literature Circle

6. What do you talk about in a Literature Circle? Social Issues The Group Process The Book Connections The Reading Process

7. Assessment Can be accomplished through: • Observation of student collaboration, independent reading, discussion participation, presentation of books and projects • Monitoring student progress through schedules, assignment sheets, and notes • Assessing reading log entries and projects • Examining self-evaluation through checklists and one-on-one conferences

8. Benefits of Literature Circles • Students view themselves as readers • Students read high-quality books • Students are inspired to write • Students develop: • Reading preferences • Critical and creative thinking • Responsibility for completing projects • Self-assessment and monitoring techniques

9. What Can Parents Do to Help? • Ask open-ended questions about what your child is reading • Ex: What is the main character like? What was the most exciting part of the story? • Read the books they have chosen, if possible, and express your opinions • Visit the library or bookstore to find other reading selections connected to the in-class reading material (same subject or author) • Encourage all forms of reading and writing at home: letters, directions, magazines, books, etc.

10. Questions?

11. Credits Text and information gathered from the following sources: • Literacy for the 21st Century. Gail E. Tompkins, Merrill Prentice Hall, 2003. • Human Learning. Jeanne Ormrod, Merrill Prentice Hall, 2004.