Literature Circles

Promoting Critical Literacy with Literature Circles

Presented By: Jane Brouse

Literature CirclesAgenda:What are Literature Circles?

Critical Literacy

What is the Purpose?

Who Benefits?

Nuts and Bolts

Preparing For Literature Circles

Interactive Activities

Wrapping it Up

Resources

What are Literature Circles?

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."

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

Critical Literacy

Critical literacy allows students to be active and challenging participants as they

respond to texts of all types. It provides students with a lens through which to

look critically at written, visual, spoken, multimedia, and performance texts, to

challenge the intent and content, and to get the most enjoyment and deepest

meaning out of text. (LNS, 2007)

The opportunity for conversation in a critical literacy curriculum is paramount

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change to world.” (Nelson Mandela)

What is the 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.

What is the Purpose?

Literature Circles provide an excellent opportunity for students to question the world as they 'think' they know it. Through rich discussion, students can begin to understand and develop new perspectives on life. Literature Circles activate thinking and encourage students to develop a passion or a concern for others. It can lead to research or action that can promote change.

Who Benefits from Literature Circles?

Students Teacher Community Global Community

Nuts and Bolts

How Literature Circles Work Introducing the Role Cards Fat Questions (Q Matrix Questioner) Types of Literature Circles (ficton, non

fiction) Ways to Run a Literature Circle

Preparing For Literature Circles

Input Sessions Take Aparts Review of Literature Circle Etiquette Descriptive Feedback Ongoing Assessment

Let's Give it a Try!

Interactive Stations:

1. Book Selections and Mentor Texts

2. Role Cards

3. Video Clip (LNS)

4. Assessment

Wrapping It UP!

Culminating Tasks:

Glogster Presentations

Prezi Presentations

Voice Thread

Movie Maker

Blogging (The Virtual Circle by Stacy Kitsis)

Resources

Visit Jane Brouse's wiki for further information

Websites, role cards, rubrics, additional resources etc

Thanks for coming!See you next time!

Jane