Introduction to Literature Circles

1. Introduction to Literature Circles Mrs. B’s 5th Grade ROCKSTARS!

2. What are Literature Circles? • Literature Circles are small reading groups (book clubs). Each group consists of 4 or 5 students. • Groups will be created based on novel choice and Lexile level. Students may not move groups after they have been made. • Literature Circles allow students to read a book of their choice and talk about it with classmates.

3. What are Literature Circles? • Groups read at their own pace. • Each group will make a calendar before beginning a novel to set page assignments and goals. • Groups get together to respond to and discuss what they’re reading.

4. How Literature Circles Work • In preparation for each week’s Literature Circles meeting, ROCKSTARS read their assigned pages/chapters and complete one of five Literature Circles jobs. • Tuesdays – Reading and Planning Day • Wednesdays – Reader’s Response Day • Thursdays – Meeting Day! Roles are DUE!

5. Literature Circles Jobs • Discussion Director • Writes high-level questions to be used for group discussions • Word Finder • Locates and defines unknown and/or interesting vocabulary words in the book • Connector • Takes events from the book and connects them to real-life experiences

6. Literature Circles Jobs • Correspondent • Writes letters to characters in the book • Illustrator • Illustrates scenes from the book

7. Group Member Qualities • Active Listener • Supportive • Participates • Cooperative • Prepared • Personal Best

8. Literature Circles Meetings • Group members find a comfortable, but professional, spot in the classroom to meet. • They bring their books, reading response journal, and completed job sheets. • ROCKSTARS use their “Meeting Procedures” sheet to guide the meetings. • During meetings, it’s everyone’s job to…SHARE, in an advanced (yeah, ROCKSTARish) way! 

9. Why? • Reading ROCKS! • It’s more fun to read with friends! • We want to become better readers! • Mrs. B is crazy…about reading!