When running a literature circle, one of the most important parts is the circle. The other important part, of course, is the literature. To fully engage with the literature students need the most valuable resource of all: time. Sure, you could expect your students to read a chapter or three at home, and you could … Continue reading 3.03 – Lit Circles: Sustained Reading & The Lines that Stand Out (English Lesson)

One of the most important parts of a literature circle is the text selection. Students will be engaged with the text for a number of weeks, and in order to feel a sense of ownership over their learning, their lessons, and their expressions, they need to feel as if they were active participants in selecting … Continue reading 3.02 – Literature Circle Book Choices (English Lesson)

Allowing students to self-select their text is at the very heart of literature circles. Lit circles encourage small groups students to read a text, working through its messages, meanings, and connections together. Whereas traditional class novels force students to engage with texts that might not be relevant to their experiences, literature circles offer choice and … Continue reading 3.01 – Introducing Literature Circles (English Lesson)