Literature Circles

What IS a lit. circle?  According to Harvey Daniels' definition: "Literature circles are small, temporary discussion groups who have chosen to read the same story, poem, article, or book...[E]ach member prepares to take specific responsibilities in the upcoming discussion, and everyone comes to the group with the notes needed to help perform that job" (13). 

What happens here is--in a trend that is quickly becoming apparent--you put the reading into the hands of your students.  You may use this technique to host small group discussions on a classroom novel, allow each group to choose their own novel, or cover several different novels in the curriculum without having each student read each book.  Here are some easy to follow steps on lit circles for first-timers.

1. Divide your class into groups of 4-7 students. 

2. If they will be reading different novels, assign each group a book or allow the students to pick their own (either from previous book talks, the curriculum, or a list you provide for them.)

3. Next (and most integral to the lit circle process) each student must choose a role.  This may be done in several ways: a lottery system, rotating schedule, students choice, etc.
        *Discussion Director: this student is responsible for creating some good
               discussion questions to create conversation about the piece. 
               These may be questions about characters, plots, themes, etc. It
               is also the D.D.'s job to keep group members on task.
        *Literary Luminary: this student will highlight memorable, interesting, or
               valuable quotes and passages from the reading and bring the
               members back to these specific moments. 
        *Connector: the connector's job is to relate this text to the real world, either
               through pop culture, history, or other literature.  Whatever the student
               feels is relevant and important for the group to see. 
        *Artful Artist: this role provides creative freedom for the student, who must
               present the novel in a graphic way.  (S)he may create a poster, movie,
               dolls, sculptures...the possibilities are endless. 
        *Character Captain: here, the focus is (obviously) characters.  The student
               will choose one character to follow throughout the novel.  (S)he will
               select quotes or scenes that depict the journey the character goes
               through during the novel. 
        *Word Wizard: this is good for a study of vocabulary.  The Word Wizard will
               go through the text and circle unfamiliar words (these may be difficult
               vocabulary words or words specific to the novel).  Then (s)he will
               define these words and explain a few (5-10) to the group. 
        *Researcher: this student will research history about the book, the author, the
               time period, etc. in order to further illuminate the groups understanding
               of the novel.
   Not all of these rolls are required, but Daniels suggests to always use the first four, as they offer valuable insights into the book.  Also, feel free to be creative with roles!  Whatever you (or your students) feel is important to the understanding and enjoyment of the reading can be formed into a useful role. 

4. After the roles are assigned, students will have meetings on designated class periods to discuss their reading section by section.  If the lit. circles are focusing on short stories, you may find you only need one meeting, but with novels, more than one will usually be necessary.  OR you can have the students meet with their groups as a wrap-up of the book, discussing it as a whole once they have finished reading. 

5. Optional is sharing this information with the class.  If you choose to use lit. groups to cover several novels in the curriculum, it may be necessary for each group to present an overview of the plot and some of their findings.  You may choose only to have the artful artist present his/her project.  Again, whatever you feel is most helpful to your students is what matters with sharing.  

Lit circles are usually a big hit with kids.  Not only do they get the freedom to examine the book in their own ways, but they also can actively discuss literature in small groups, rather than the (often intimidating) entire class.