Literature Circles!!!

Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to reading material. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. There are different styles of Literature Circles, like:

Structured Literature Circles. Works if time is allowed for reading and completing roles following teacher designed instructions and activities.

Basic Literature Circle Model. A flexible approach to Literature Circles that does not rely on handouts and teacher guidance

Modified Literature Circles. This method can be highly effective with students who are not able to handle weekly assignments since the circle meets each day.

Literature Circles with Roles. The most interactive form of Literature Circles.

Nonfiction Literature Circles. Literature Circles with nonfiction books!

The lesson I will try is the one on the book New Interchange, Students Book 3; page 51, “Learning Styles”. My dog Niza, approved the selection.

Pre-reading.

Explain the topic of the text.

Activate background knowledge with a discussion about personal experiences and some related information about learning styles.

Make the teams and the selection of roles.

Encourage students to think about the role while reading.

During Reading.

Monitoring the reading among the teams, and check if there’s any doubt about the roles.

Post-reading.

Sharing with other students who have the same role, and compare notes. Students meet in their literature circles, sharing ideas and questions.

Talk about the roles of each participant in the Literature Circle

Answer questions and offer suggestions about the roles according to the story we read.

 

You can also use Graphic Organizers in this type of excercise. I found a lot of them in:  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/ and for free!!!