Literature Circles Promoting Critical Literacy with Literature Circles Presented By: Jane Brouse

Literature Circles Agenda: What are Literature Circles? Critical Literacy What is the Purpose? Who Benefits? Nuts and Bolts Preparing For Literature Circles Interactive Activities Wrapping it Up Resources

What are Literature Circles? "In literature circles, small groups of students gather together to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students' response to what they have read. You may hear talk about events and characters in the book, the author's craft, or personal experiences related to the story." Schlick Noe, K. L. & Johnson. N.L., Getting Started with Literature Circles, 1999 Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc. p. ix.

Critical Literacy Critical literacy allows students to be active and challenging participants as they respond to texts of all types. It provides students with a lens through which to look critically at written, visual, spoken, multimedia, and performance texts, to challenge the intent and content, and to get the most enjoyment and deepest meaning out of text. (LNS, 2007) The opportunity for conversation in a critical literacy curriculum is paramount Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change to world. (Nelson Mandela)

What is the Purpose? "Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. Finally, literature circles guide students to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussion and extended written and artistic response." Schlick Noe, K. L. & Johnson. N.L., Getting Started with Literature Circles, 1999 Christopher-Gordon Publishers, Inc. p. ix.

What is the Purpose? Literature Circles provide an excellent opportunity for students to question the world as they 'think' they know it. Through rich discussion, students can begin to understand and develop new perspectives on life. Literature Circles activate thinking and encourage students to develop a passion or a concern for others. It can lead to research or action that can promote change.

Who Benefits from Literature Circles? Students Teacher Community Global Community

Nuts and Bolts How Literature Circles Work Introducing the Role Cards Fat Questions (Q Matrix Questioner) Types of Literature Circles (ficton, non fiction) Ways to Run a Literature Circle

Preparing For Literature Circles Input Sessions Take Aparts Review of Literature Circle Etiquette Descriptive Feedback Ongoing Assessment

Let's Give it a Try! Interactive Stations: 1. Book Selections and Mentor Texts 2. Role Cards 3. Video Clip (LNS) 4. Assessment

Wrapping It UP! Culminating Tasks : Glogster Presentations Prezi Presentations Voice Thread Movie Maker Blogging (The Virtual Circle by Stacy Kitsis)

Resources Visit Jane Brouse's wiki for further information Websites, role cards, rubrics, additional resources etc

Thanks for coming! See you next time! Jane