1. Suggestions and Reminders

2. Small Group Short Story Discussion Before the discussion Make a list of large ideas that are the most important to discuss. Write them down in the order your group plans to discuss them. Figure out a tentative plan about how much time you will take with each one and how you can incorporate the discussion of literary elements in the discussion of large ideas. Who will be the time keeper, the summarizer, the transition person

3. Small Group Short Story Discussion During Discussion Make eye contact Use body language Use people’s names. Ask questions Give specific examples Make connection to your life and connect to large themes Ponder the writer’s craft, choices, intent and message

4. Small Group Short Story Discussion During Reading ( Each person should try to use one of these. Insert a person’s name.) "They say..." and I agree, but I have important and/or interesting details to add. "They say..." and I disagree, so I will offer another perspective or possibility. "They say..." and I agree and disagree; therefore, I will explain how I agree/disagree before explaining how I disagree/agree more.

5. Small Group Short Story Discussion During Discussion Summarize someone’s point by introducing quotations According to X, "______." X himself said clearly that the plot, "______." In her description of the setting _________, X maintains that "______." In X's view, "______." X agrees when she says "______." X disagreed when she said "______." X complicated matters further when said, "______."

6. Small Group Short Story Discussion After the Discussion Ask yourselves (And take notes in the Disc. Portion of your notebook. Did you spend enough/too much time on certain aspects? What would you change regarding depth of coverage? Did everyone participate equally? What can you do collectively and as individuals to improve balance. Did the group provide specific details, examples, and textual references to really bring the story to life? Where in the discussion could these have been added. Make a plan for next time. Did the group discuss author’s intent, theme, craft etc.?