What are Reading Circles
Literature circles are small groups of students that regularly assemble to analyze and discuss an assigned text.
These small groups are heterogeneous in that they include students of the same or similar literacy and reading levels. These groups are peer-lead and the students often are able to choose the text they want to read. Each group member reads the same text and then takes part in an active discussion about the text they read. This strategy aims to improve students' comprehension skills as well as their ability to interpret the text and think critically about the text. (Daniels, 2002)
Literature circles can be an effective tool for assessing students abilities while meeting the needs of several students and giving them a responsibility and role in their educations. Because the text if often picked by the group from a variety of appropriately leveled options presented by the teacher, students can feel more involved in the education process as well as boost motivation by appealing to student's interests.
A key aim of literature circles is to help teachers assess students’ comprehension through their responses to various texts. Pupils develop the ability to discuss, define and explore reading, and they learn to make predictions using prior knowledge and supporting details. The circles encourage students to identify unfamiliar words, ask relevant and focused questions, and clarify their understanding while teachers assess students’ comprehension based on their contributions to the group.
(Nigro, 2011)
Using Literature Circles in the classroom
To successfully implement literature circles into a classroom, efficient time needs to be dedicated to establishing the strategy in the classroom. Teacher modeling and graphics showcasing how literature circles will run is crucial for their success.
Teachers can most easily introduce the new strategy in a mini-lesson. There a several roles involved in literature circles and the teacher should explain what each role entails:
Manager - Brings the group together. Checks that all materials are available and ready.
Group Leader - Begins the discussion and make sure all members take turns getting involved.
Timer - Keeps track of how long the circle runs and ensures that participants stay focused and on-task.
Supporter - offers supportive comments to those who offer ideas and opinions.
Summarizer - Wraps up the discussion and brings the group to a close.
Knowing the role each student plays and how the literature circle is to operate is what will make this strategy both effective and successful.
(Nigro, 2011)
Literature circles are small groups of students that regularly assemble to analyze and discuss an assigned text.
These small groups are heterogeneous in that they include students of the same or similar literacy and reading levels. These groups are peer-lead and the students often are able to choose the text they want to read. Each group member reads the same text and then takes part in an active discussion about the text they read. This strategy aims to improve students' comprehension skills as well as their ability to interpret the text and think critically about the text. (Daniels, 2002)
Literature circles can be an effective tool for assessing students abilities while meeting the needs of several students and giving them a responsibility and role in their educations. Because the text if often picked by the group from a variety of appropriately leveled options presented by the teacher, students can feel more involved in the education process as well as boost motivation by appealing to student's interests.
A key aim of literature circles is to help teachers assess students’ comprehension through their responses to various texts. Pupils develop the ability to discuss, define and explore reading, and they learn to make predictions using prior knowledge and supporting details. The circles encourage students to identify unfamiliar words, ask relevant and focused questions, and clarify their understanding while teachers assess students’ comprehension based on their contributions to the group.
(Nigro, 2011)
Using Literature Circles in the classroom
To successfully implement literature circles into a classroom, efficient time needs to be dedicated to establishing the strategy in the classroom. Teacher modeling and graphics showcasing how literature circles will run is crucial for their success.
Teachers can most easily introduce the new strategy in a mini-lesson. There a several roles involved in literature circles and the teacher should explain what each role entails:
Manager - Brings the group together. Checks that all materials are available and ready.
Group Leader - Begins the discussion and make sure all members take turns getting involved.
Timer - Keeps track of how long the circle runs and ensures that participants stay focused and on-task.
Supporter - offers supportive comments to those who offer ideas and opinions.
Summarizer - Wraps up the discussion and brings the group to a close.
Knowing the role each student plays and how the literature circle is to operate is what will make this strategy both effective and successful.
(Nigro, 2011)
Tie it to writing
By adding literature circle journals to the strategy, students can connect reading and writing standards together. A weekly required journal entry is a simple and effective way to track understanding of the story while building vocabulary and writing skills. Some groups also require the "Summarizer" to record the discussion and well as provide brief overview of the text that has been read and discussed.
The following video provides an excellent example of literature circles. Not only is it presented by actual students but it features actual reading circles in actions with detailed descriptions of what it happening and why. By providing an up close look at a functioning literature circle, students are given a great example to model after and build understanding of expectations and procedures within reading circles.
By adding literature circle journals to the strategy, students can connect reading and writing standards together. A weekly required journal entry is a simple and effective way to track understanding of the story while building vocabulary and writing skills. Some groups also require the "Summarizer" to record the discussion and well as provide brief overview of the text that has been read and discussed.
The following video provides an excellent example of literature circles. Not only is it presented by actual students but it features actual reading circles in actions with detailed descriptions of what it happening and why. By providing an up close look at a functioning literature circle, students are given a great example to model after and build understanding of expectations and procedures within reading circles.
The following video offers a great explanation of what literature circles are. It also speaks from the point of view of a teacher to her class. That type of interactive language makes this an incredible effective video to present to a class prior to implementing literature circles. It also offers a detailed explanation of each job that a literature circle and have and gives them each great importance.
References:
Daniels, H. (2002). Literature circles: Voice and choice in book clubs and reading groups (2nd ed.). Portland, ME: Stenhouse.
Nigro, N. (2011, January 20). Using Literature Circles to engage students. Retrieved June 9, 2015, from http://www.uft.org/teacher-teacher/using-literature-circles-engage-students
Daniels, H. (2002). Literature circles: Voice and choice in book clubs and reading groups (2nd ed.). Portland, ME: Stenhouse.
Nigro, N. (2011, January 20). Using Literature Circles to engage students. Retrieved June 9, 2015, from http://www.uft.org/teacher-teacher/using-literature-circles-engage-students