Here are some sample literature circle mini lessons that can be adapted for centers.

1. Mini Lesson Sample 1 Directions: Readers use a variety of “fix-up” strategies to help them when they are reading. Discuss a time when you were frustrated by something that have read. Copyright 2010 Katherine S. McKnight Permission Granted for Classroom Use

2. Skills and Strategies for Reading 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

3. Skills and Strategies for Reading 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

4. Mini Lesson Sample 2 Character Analysis Chart Directions: Review the definition of character. Remind the students about the difference between main and minor characters. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

5. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

7. Title:Author:Character’s Name and Main Trait: 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

8. Mini Lesson Sample 4 Character Traits Web This activity is designed to help students collect attributes about a character or real-life person. Directions: Authors provide direct and indirect clues about what characters are like. Choose a character from the novel and complete the following chart. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

9. Title:Author: 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

10. Mini Lesson Sample 5 Character Map This activity offers a way for students to express their understanding by using a visual to interpret a character. Directions: The stick figures stands for a character that they select from the text. Discuss the character and log the information. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

11. Mini Lesson Sample 6 Comparing Myself to a Character When students make a strong connection to the character and text that they are reading. It leads to greater comprehension. Directions: Review the definition of character. Select a character from the novel and complete the following chart. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

12. Title: 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

13. Mini Lesson Sample 7 Plot Diagram visually represents the stages of plot development. Teaching the students about plot helps them to comprehend text. Directions: Remind the student that plot is a sequence of events in a story which is built around a conflict. Display the chart and instruct the student to complete it as they read the text. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

14. Title:Author: 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

15. Mini Lesson Sample 8 CATAPULT into Literature helps students to preview and make predictions about a text. Directions: Read through the chart. Model for the students how to complete the chart using a novel that you recently read. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

16. CATAPULT into Literature 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

18. Select a passage 1-2 paragraphs long. Model the technique for the students by thinking aloud. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

19. Questioning the Author Sample What is the author trying to say here? That is, what is the main message or purpose? Is the author expressing clear ideas? Is this consistent with what the author already said? What does the author think we already know? Has the author achieved the goal? 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

20. Mini Lesson Sample 10 Reader Response Starters prompt students to respond to literature with more than just superficial knowledge of the basic plot points. Directions: Choose a text and read it aloud and model for the students how to complete the response starters. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight

21. 2010 Katherine S. McKnight