with
Literature Circles and Novel Studies
…I chose this
passage because it
reminded me of…
Presented By:
Adrienne Gear
Vancouver School Board
Integrating Reading Power into Your
Novel Study and/or Literature Circles
Adrienne Gear
GOALS:
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Students have a more meaningful, interactive and enjoyable reading
experience
Students gain a deeper understanding of the book than if they had
answered comprehension questions after every chapter
After students are “trained” for independence” they will work independently
while each Lit. circles are in progress
Students are “gradually released” from my guidance during Lit. Circle
discussions and can continue on their own
IMPORTANT:
•
This is an opportunity for students to APPLY their understanding of the
Reading Power strategies to the books they are reading THEREFORE:
direct instruction in the Reading Power strategies FIRST is critical for
success.
PLANNING MY YEAR: Suggestion
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TERM ONE:
- Reading Power strategies are taught (or reviewed) using picture
books
TERM TWO:
- Whole class novel – teacher guides students through format
- Students still meet in small groups weekly, but all are discussing
the same book
- Teacher provides “mini lessons” for each additional activity
TERM THREE:
- Lit. Circles – students are grouped according to reading level, each
group has a different book
- Students work more independently because they are more familiar
with the format and activities
GETTING STARTED:
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Group your class into three or four ability groups, based on reading
assessment (R.A.D., D.A.R.T., D.R.A., Whole Class Reading Assessment,
etc.)
If possible, arrange with your resource teacher or T.L. to be involved (take
one of your groups)
Block off two 1hr. Blocks in your weekly schedule for Lit. Circle
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Select appropriate leveled novel for each group (read them!)
Divide each novel into 6-8 (depending on how long you wish to spend)
even sections (note page numbers) to ensure everyone finishes their book
at the same time.
ie:
Lemonade War
Week 1 – pages 3-15
Week 2 - pages 16-28
Week 3 – pages 29-36.
LESSON One
• Each student receives Lit. Circle booklet, small stack of post-it notes.
• Teacher explains format of literature circles and explains expectations:
Weekly assignments for students:
1) Read assigned pages of your novel
2) Prepare passage with sticky note that you will be sharing during Lit.
Circle discussion time.
3) Complete a “thinking page”
4) Add any new words to vocabulary page
5) Work to complete one additional activity per week
Assessment will be based on:
1) Weekly written work and Lit. Circle booklets (teacher marks)
2) Preparation and discussion during Lit. Circles (teacher keeps track
of student progress on Lit. Circle Discussion Record)
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Students receive their novels and complete page one of booklet: Question/
Prediction page
OTHER Lit. Circle ACTIVITIES (mini lessons)
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Characters I Will Meet – as new characters are introduced, students
record their names, who they are, a picture and personality traits
describing them.
Character VENN – students compare themselves with the main
character. Words should include both descriptors of themselves – ie: girl,
student, only child, plays hockey AND personality traits – ie: brave, funny,
kind, determined.
Setting Map – students draw, label and color a map of the setting of the
book. This should be done as a bird’s eye view and include all the places
mentioned in the book.
Photo Album – “You are the illustrator of this book. Choose 5
moments/events/images from this book that you would like to capture.
Draw and color your illustrations and include a caption and page number”
TRANSFORMING My Thinking – students complete this sheet. They will
need to have had some previous background and practice in this strategy.
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Remember to include how their thinking has changed now that they have
finished reading the book.
Letter to the Author – students write a letter to the author. The letter
should include – an introductory paragraph introducing themselves to the
author, their response/reaction to the book, the parts they liked and why,
their personal connections,
Vocabulary page – students record any new words they encounter during
reading. Definitions and sentences for each word should be included.
Title Page – create a front cover for their package. Include the title of the
novel (block or 3-d lettering is encouraged), THEIR name, a border and
some colored coloured illustrations. Remind them they are not to copy the
pictures from the original cover of the book.
REMEMBER:
• Don’t expect to implement Literature Circles tomorrow!
• Set your goal for beginning this approach for the next reporting term.
• Take things from this session and use them with what is already working for
you.
RECOMMENDED RESOURCES:
Harvey Daniels –
Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in Book Clubs and Reading Groups
(2001)
Mini Lessons for Literature Circles (2004)
Grand Conversations, Thoughtful Responses: A Unique Approach to
Literature Circles – Faye Brownlie Portage and Main, 2005
Lit. Circle Discussion Record
Student:
Date:
NOVEL: ______________________
TOTAL:
Passage
Selection:
Individual
Sharing:
Group
Participation:
Comments:
Student:
Date:
TOTAL:
Passage
Selection:
Individual
Sharing:
Group
Participation:
Comments:
Student:
Date:
Passage
Selection:
Individual
Sharing:
Group
Participation:
Comments:
TOTAL:
LIT CIRCLE REPORT CARD COMMENTS:
1. Comes to novel study prepared with a passage to share and
thoughtfully and readily contributes to the group discussions.
2. Demonstrates application of a variety of comprehension strategies
while reading his/her novel.
3. Has demonstrated an ability to summarize (re-tell) what happened in
the novel, as well as interpret and infer deeper meaning.