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Online Teaching: An Introduction for K-12 Educators

ECOMP 6201: 6/25/12 through 8/17/12

My ideal scenario:Welcome to Mrs. Ritchey’s Online Learning Site!

The hybrid online Literature Circle:

The decision has been made to offer enrichment hybrid online classes for elementary school clusters in our school district. This class is available to 20 third and fourth grade students from three elementary schools in the upper-middle class Arden-Arcade area of Sacramento. Because online students must be self-motivated, organized, and possess adequate literacy skills, these students must have the permission of their classroom teacher to participate. Parents of these students must agree to provide their child with access to the Internet and provide support and encouragement for their young online learner. These classes run for approximately 8 weeks each. Students will come together at a school site during the first week for a face to face orientation and during the final week for a class celebration.

What are Literature Circles?

"In literature circles, small groups of students gather together to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students' response to what they have read. You may hear talk about events and characters in the book, the author's craft, or personal experiences related to the story."

What is its purpose?

"Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. Finally, literature circles guide students to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussion and extended written and artistic response."

-Schlick Noe, K. L. & Johnson. N.L., Getting Started with Literature Circles, 1999 Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc. p. ix.

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