QUESTION: Making Lit Circles POP with Novels

[Courtney Hebert]

In lieu of a traditional novel unit, my students read four books throughout the year.  They finished "Night" recently and liked it, but personally I was lacking in the discussion area.  And then I realized, I didn't really know who to facilitate the discussion around the book.  I've heard teachers say great things about literature circles, but have never personally implemented them into my classes.  I am thinking of trying to implement them with "To Kill a Mockingbird."  Does anyone have any suggestions for a beginners guide or how-to to literature circles? I know there are some online resources, but nothing I found really got down to the nitty gritty.   I teach both 9th and 10th and would like to see them work/try them out with both classes.

Thanks for any suggestions!!

[Ryan Goble]

Hi Courtney!  Have you checked out these posts from the playlist? 

COOPERATIVE LEARNING I - LIT CIRCLE PT 1

COOPERATIVE LEARNING I - LIT CIRCLE PT II

PLAYLIST: BETA MEDIA CIRCLES PART I

You might also find these to helpful to get you started BEFORE you rock out the circles (PDFs are attached at the bottom of each post).

PLAYLIST: THREE 4 THINKING

DISCUSSION MOVES