Literature Circles

Strategy Corner

If your language arts block needs a change of pace from your normal routine, give Literature Circles a try. Two important ideas, independent reading and cooperative learning, come together in this practical and exciting response to quality literature. After the students are trained and oriented in their roles, this kindergarten through high school strategy allows students to actively and enthusiastically lead discussion groups. Among some of the more popular roles are:

  • Discussion Director—student writes several “fat” questions which cannot be answered in a single word.
  • Word Wizard—student selects vocabulary words which seem interesting, puzzling or important to the story.
  • Connector—student makes a connection from the story to a personal event in their life, or compares the story to another book, movie or experience they’ve had.
  • Artful Illustrator—student is responsible for drawing or sketching a picture which depicts their favorite part of the story and explains why this seems important.
  • Character Maker—student selects the main character, or sub characters, and uses descriptive words, quotable quotes, or describes their actions and reactions.
  • Passage Master—student may select their favorite part of the story, part that puzzles them, makes them laugh, or a selection that summarizes the story.

This unique model of literature circles was developed by a team of Midwest teachers who combined local inventions with models appearing in the national professional literature. In Harvey Daniels book, Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in Student-Centered Classroom, issues of classroom management, preparation of students, and enacting the principles of classroom dynamics are addressed. Stories from twenty-two classroom teachers deliver ample guidance and inspiration for teachers who want to implement Literature Circles for themselves.

By Lori Vicker, Dallas County Reading Council
Iowa Reading Association Newsletter, May/June 2000
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