Literature Circles    

What are literature circles?

Literature Circles are small discussion groups comprised of students reading the same story, poem, article, or book. While reading each portion of the text (either in or outside of class), each member prepares to take specific responsibilities in the upcoming discussion, and everyone comes to the groups with the notes needed to help perform that job. The circles have regular meetings, with discussion roles rotating each session.

Literature Circles offer readers the opportunity to become literate. We want our students not only to love reading but also to think actively and critically about what they read. In literature circles readers become critical thinkers as they engage in ongoing dialogue about their reading. Readers begin to see pieces of literature as part of a larger whole and become aware of diverse perspectives on similar topics in their search for connections among the books circle members have read.

Each class period is divided into three sections.

• Students read or share the assigned passage. Sometimes it may be necessary to do some of this reading at home.
• Students work on their role sheet.
• Students meet in Literature Circles to share and discuss their role sheets

For more information on Literature Circles, visit:

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For questions about this Website, please e-mail Robert Ferguson.