1. Introduction to Literature Circles Mr. Coley’s 5 th Grade Class Tovashal Elementary

2. What are Literature Circles? Literature Circles are small reading groups. Each group consists of 4 or 5 students.Literature Circles are small reading groups. Each group consists of 4 or 5 students. Each group gets to choose its own book to read.Each group gets to choose its own book to read. Books can be chosen from the white bookshelves in the front and back of the classroom.Books can be chosen from the white bookshelves in the front and back of the classroom. There are currently 179 different titles to choose from!There are currently 179 different titles to choose from!

3. What are Literature Circles? Each group reads at its own pace.Each group reads at its own pace. Once a week (usually on Fridays), groups get together to talk about what they’re reading.Once a week (usually on Fridays), groups get together to talk about what they’re reading.

4. How Literature Circles Work Every week, each group gives itself a reading assignment.Every week, each group gives itself a reading assignment. In preparation for each week’s Literature Circles meeting, students read their assigned pages/chapters and complete one of five Literature Circles jobs.In preparation for each week’s Literature Circles meeting, students read their assigned pages/chapters and complete one of five Literature Circles jobs.

5. Literature Circles Jobs Discussion DirectorDiscussion Director –Writes high-level questions to be used for group discussions Word FinderWord Finder –Locates and defines unknown and/or interesting vocabulary words in the book ConnectorConnector –Takes events from the book and connects them to real-life experiences

6. Literature Circles Jobs CorrespondentCorrespondent –Writes letters to characters in the book IllustratorIllustrator –Illustrates scenes from the book

7. Literature Circles Meetings Students find a spot in the classroom to meet.Students find a spot in the classroom to meet. They bring their books and completed job sheets.They bring their books and completed job sheets. Students talk about what they read, and they share, one at a time, their job sheets.Students talk about what they read, and they share, one at a time, their job sheets. During meetings, it’s everyone’s job to………talk!During meetings, it’s everyone’s job to………talk!