Literature circles involve small temporary discussion groups where students read the same piece of literature independently and then discuss it cooperatively. Students take on roles like illustrator, summarizer, or discussion leader during meetings. The teacher facilitates the groups but does not lead them. Students choose their own books to read and discuss in their groups. They are evaluated based on participation, having their role completed, and a final presentation about the book. The goal is for students to enjoy reading and discussing literature with their peers.

1. Literature Circles Tracy Hardwell Pearl Public School District

12. ILLUSTRATOR: Draw some kind of picture related to the reading—could be a sketch, cartoon, diagram, flow-chart, or stick-figure scene.

13. SUMMARIZER: Prepares a brief summary of “today’s reading” which conveys the main highlights or the key points in the pages read.

14. PASSAGE MASTER: points out interesting or important passages within the reading—could be interesting, powerful, funny, puzzling or important

16. CONNECTOR: finds connections between the reading material and the outside world—such as personal experience, school, community, a topic studied in another class, or a different work of literature

24. How much time should be allowed for each book? It should take about 3-4 weeks for each book to be read

25. How are books chosen? Choices are nominated and students choose the order they want to read in