Book Clubs vs. Lit Circles

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Book Clubs vs. Lit Circles
By teacher4life

Great ideas for this year! I've tried lit circles for the past three years with my fifth graders, with varied results. Depending on the maturity level of the class, we met with either great success or total disaster.

Last
year, a colleague introduced me to the idea of Book Clubs. They function in a similar way to lit circles, but allow for much more autonomy on the part of the kids. I must admit - I was REALLY skeptical at first with the idea of "letting go", as she says. So, I tried it as a whole class using the book Holes. I brought in my "journal" - an old Army log book - and kept it handy for

each reading. As I read a chapter, I'd wonder out loud or express particular interest in a certain character - you knildren purchased the book because I wasn't "getting to the good parts fast enough". I watched this class of reluctant, burned out students turn into stimulated intellectuals right before my eyes. The level of questioning and reasoning was so much broader than the usual assigned lit circle roles allowed. They challenged one another, and often drew conclusions about things in the book that I didn't even think of. It was a sight to behold!

I plan to start the year off with another "informal" Book Club with the class. I haven't chosen a book yet, but would love suggestions. Once their familiar with some of the journaling techniques and I've whet their appetites, I'm planning on turning them loose. I have every confidence that they will rise to the occassion.

Hope this helps!