Literature+Circles

 Literature Circles

To ensure our literature circles are successful, we created the following list of agreements. These 'essential agreements' are posted in the classroom.
 * 1) We will respect other group members' ideas and work.
 * 2) We will do an equal share of the work.
 * 3) We will read the same section at the same time.
 * 4) We help help group members if they need it.
 * 5) Be caring.
 * 6) Be responsible - do the reading and bring all materials to class.

** Literature Circle Roles ** When reading a novel as a member of a literature circle in our class, we have agreed upon the following roles: It is the job of the section summariser to recap the main events from the section just read b the group. They will write a paragraph with this summary and share it with the group at the beginning of the discussion of the section. The summary should highlight the important events and not be detailed – unless there is an important detail that they feel the group should remember. It is their job during the discussion to ensure that all members of the group are referring to the correct section (not reading ahead). An etymologist is a person who studies the origins and development of words. In our groups, this person will be on the look out for words that may be difficult to understand or perhaps just very interesting for a particular reason. The etymologist will also be looking for the author’s use of devices such as alliteration, symbolism, and metaphor. The etymologist will record the page numbers where the words on the pre-reading vocabulary sheet are found. They will also add to this list while reading. During the discussion the etymologist will clarify any unknown words and point out any discoveries. They will be in charge of the dictionary for their group. Each group will need a leader to facilitate the discussion and this is the main job of the Director. While doing the reading, this person will think of ‘good’ questions to ask their group during their meeting. These questions should be open-ended and not have a necessarily correct answer. The Discussion Director will prompt people to support their answers from the text (i.e. //What in this section makes you think that//?). They will also encourage people to build on each others’ ideas (i.e. //What do you think about what she has said//?). Each member of the group will have an opportunity to carry out the job of each role. The discussion will follow this format: · Share summary · Clarify words & highlight any interesting techniques used by the author · Discussion of guiding questions · Sharing of connections (each member)
 * The Section Summariser **
 * The Etymologist **
 * The Discussion Director **