WHAT IS A LITERATURE CIRCLE? |
A reading strategy whereby small groups of learners gather to discuss a piece of literature (text) in depth. The discussion in a Literature Circle is guided by the learners response to what they have read. It provides a ways for learners to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books.
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As educators, it is important that we take the time to explicitly set up Literature Circles in our classrooms, so that students have a good understanding of each of the roles and how to successfully undertake each one. Another element we need to scaffold and foster is the interaction between the group. Most students will not be used to engaging in a rich and collaborative discussion about a text in this way and they therefore require modelling and practice before being expected to undertake it independently.
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Here is an example of how I have structured each role in order to scaffold and support the thinking, documentation and sharing of learning as students journey through a text as a group. Each role as a specific lens through which they examine components of the text. I utilise 5 group roles, including:
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