Literature Circle Teaching Tips
What is the role of the teacher a few weeks into Literature Circles?
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What can students do when they finish reading their literature circle book?
Focus Lessons to Help Students Actively Participate in Literature Circles
To improve the quality of thinking and discussion during Literature Circles, teach focus lessons that help students learn to be thoughtful, accountable, and contributing group members.
- Read independent reading books.
- Plan a brief celebration to share with the rest of the class.
- Complete an evaluation rubric.
- Reflect: What are my goals as a reader?
- Begin another Literature Circle.
Focus Lessons to Help Students Actively Participate in Literature Circles
- Tools for Organizing Your Thinking
- Coming Prepared for Discussion
- Staying on One Topic (until it’s exhausted)
- Using Evidence to Support Thinking
- Inviting Other People into the Conversation
- Getting the Discussion Started
- How to Disagree Politely
- Setting Goals for Quantity of Reading
To improve the quality of thinking and discussion during Literature Circles, teach focus lessons that help students learn to be thoughtful, accountable, and contributing group members.