Literature Circles
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.
Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Learners reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. Literature circles guide learners to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussion and extended written and artistic responses.
Literature Circle_Thinking Routine Based.pdfusing thinking routines to support literature circles
Here is an example of how I have incorporated some of the thinking routines into each role to scaffold and support the thinking, documentation and sharing of learning as students journey through a text. Each role was based on 1 of the 6 elements of the routine Peel the Fruit. The last role is a group collaboration to help students tie their thinking together and get to the heart of the text.
Back to Thinking Routines