Home Chat  Blogs   Collection Directory
    My ScrapBook My Collections
The ProTeacher Collection  

Home : 2002 : January : 4

lit circles
By Lori

Clip to ScrapBook   
Hi,

I posted some about my lit circles in a post above that asked about them. As for implementing, I teach and structure extensively for the first 3-4 weeks of the school year. At the beginning of the year, I do lit circles
everyday using read aloud picture books. I try to have only 4 groups to start with. Sometimes that means 6 students to a group and that is the absolute maximum, I allow to any group. I realy prefer 4 to 5 to a group.

I read the selection and teach the lesson that is to be emphasized that day -- good questions, good discussion etiquette, etc. Then I divide the class into

the groups. I have 4 centers in the four corners of the room. One corner is the lit circle corner. At first, I am a part of the lit circle group. The other centers may be math, literature, science, or social studies related. In the beginning, the lit circles last 15 -20 minutes, it depends on the class. Every 15 to 20 minutes the timer goes off and the class rotates to the next center. This takes quite a bit of scaffolding during the first few weeks to help the students develop the independence and responsibility to do the centers.

I always pick the first novel and the whole class reads it but is divided into groups just like the picture books. Stone Fox is a good one or some other short novel since I try to get through the first novel during the first grading period. Sometimes it doesn't happen though.

After the first novel, I begin to teach the students how to pick a book for lit circles, again beginning with picture books and following the same schedule. After a week or so of practice choosing, they are ready to pick a novel.

At this time, the schedule changes and only one lit circle meets at a time, while the other groups read their novel or work at a more complex center activity. THe other groups work at a center each day. The last center is journal entry or some thing they do at their desk if I have five groups. I can have up to 5 groups with one group meeting each day for 30 minutes at first and building up.

Does that help any? It seems very long winded!

Lori

 


BACK



The ProTeacher Collection - All rights reserved
For individual use only. Do not copy, reproduce or transmit.
Copyright © 1998-2008 ProTeacher®

Visit our ProTeacher Community



What people are currently discussing in the ProTeacher Community:
Christmas book exchange - help
to help students write clear "how to" steps
Web Site for Graphing
Any great teaching ideas for.....
Snowmen at Night
Para appreciation gift ideas needed!
masters degree
Christmas Around the World-Sweden
Desperate for you help! PLEASE!
Cookbook
Tale of Desperaux
family tree craft
Looking for a Santa
Holiday party ideas
reading aloud