Literature+Circles


 * Literature Circles**

A literature circle is a process in which students meet to discuss their reading experiences, reveal their perceptions about the book, clarify concepts, and participate in a shared experience of the text. A literature circle comprises three to five students who read the same book and record their thoughts in a journal before meeting with their group. All students in the group have an opportunity to relate their impressions and contribute to the discussion. In a class with four or five circles, only one group should be in discussion at a time. Literature circles encourage students to direct their own learning and to connect the reading to their personal lives and prior knowledge. They also promote good group discussion strategies (appropriate listening and responding skills) and an atmosphere of shared decision making as students help to set conduct and management policies.
 * Description**

The teacher:
 * Method**
 * introduces, explains, and demonstrates the concept of a literature circle;
 * models good questioning and discussion behaviour;
 * provides some structured discussion starters in order to assist students in learning how to extend discussion for greater depth;
 * provides some cues to support discussion, such as a chart with topics that students may wish to address;
 * schedules appropriate amounts of time for the silent reading, recording of thoughts in journals, and the discussion groups;
 * chooses quality literature for students to learn from and enjoy;
 * helps students to become independent thinkers as they take control of their own learning;
 * assists with the physical structure of the group settings;
 * helps students focus on aspects of the text that will extend their experiences;
 * observes and supports students in acquiring and demonstrating positive group behaviours.

Literature circles:
 * Considerations**
 * are most effective when scheduled regularly;
 * free the students to extend their discussions by not having them answer directed questions;
 * require understanding about the transition from teacher-centred learning to student-centred learning.


 * Illustrations From The Mathematics Classroom**

Under construction. Please make a contribution.
 * Elementary**

Under construction. Please make a contribution.
 * Secondary**