Lit Circles and a question!

Home

Chat

Blogs

Collection

Directory

Home : 2001 : July : 6

Lit Circles and a question!
By JES

We have at least an hour for reading instruction. I usually try to limit Lit Circles to about 30 minutes; however, if more time is needed we take it. If we stick to 30 min. sessions, then we can have two Circles in
one day, but I really do not want to feel like we have to rush.
While I meet with students in Literature discussion groups (circles), my other students are engaged in reading their predetermined section of their choice book and responding to what they read in their Literature Response Journals. If you use the Literature Circle roles, students will also need to prepare for their role

in their upcoming Lit Circle.

I love coming back to the Busy Board and find a reply to something I've written. What a great way to exchange ideas.

Now I have a question. I loop with my students. I had them last year in 4th and will have them back again this fall in 5th. I love it because I already know some things to expect. Well, I already know that I have a few students (struggling and/or reluctant readers) who are very distractable and find it difficult to really "get into their books" while a Lit Circle is in progress. Here's what I tried with little success. We had quiet reading sessions Monday through Thursday. Then on Fridays we had all Circles meet simultaneously. My idea was to float from group to group monitoring discussions led by the students themselves. Of course this meant that I could not do the mini-skill lessons in small groups. HELP! Anyone have any ideas?