1. Using Literature Circles connecting fiction to real life

2. Building Excitement Students are more likely to engage in activities they are excited about. Create mystery about the next “big “ activity Leave cryptic messages about upcoming events

3. Choosing Books to Connect Conduct student interest inventories Find books of high interest Choose themes students can connect to

4. Getting The Process Started Schedule a “Book Walk” – a chance to casually explore the books available during the Literature Circle This is a chance for students to start forming ideas about their reading interests Allow students to rank their top 3 book choices

5. Forming Circles Coordinate groups based on student book choices Keep groups small, no more than 4 students Give students role descriptions to keep reading on track

6. Roles in the Circle Each circle needs a recorder to document what has been read The artist creates visual representations of the reading The thinker composes questions about the book and works with the group to make connections

7. Pacing

8. Wrapping It All Up

9. Suggested Books for Literature Circles The Bluford High Series, by Paul Langran, Anne Schraff and others