Lit Circles

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Lit Circles
By jane

I would suggest that you begin by having the whole class work with one short story and one role in a Literature Circle.(Discussion Director, Word Wizard, Literary Luminary, Capable Connector, Artful Artist, etc. Share
respones and work as you continue to introduce and practice each role. Emphasize work that is a good model of what is expected. Post these samples on a literature circle bulletin board where you can also post each role along with that role's responsibilities.
After all the roles have been taught to the class, collect sets of picture books appealing to your grade level. Set up your

literature circles and roles. Give a day to read the book and prepare for the circle. On the next day circles will meet and share their work. Rotate the sets of books from circle to circle. As the books are rotated, be sure each student is given a new role. When the rotation is complete choose your best students to come together as a literature circle to share and discuss the book of their choice. Use the "Fishbowl" technique where the students will observe the process. Then make a list with your students of what happens in a good literature circle. Post this on your bulletin board.
You might then choose one more short book or story for the class to do and ask every child to prepare the work for each role. This can be an assessment to reveal each student's strengths and weaknesses in the process.
Hopefully, after this long introduction your class is ready to spread their wings. Gather your novels/stories and give students a choice of what they would like to read. Form your circles as you deem best for ability, personality, behavior, etc.
The students should now stay with one book/story and be able to rotate the roles.
Your role will now be to circulate and facilitate as needed.
Enjoy the circles! Good Luck!