Introduction to Literature

Circles

Mrs. B’s5th Grade

ROCKSTARS!

What are Literature Circles?• Literature Circles are small

reading groups (book clubs). Each group consists of 4 or 5 students.

• Groups will be created based on novel choice and Lexile level. Students may not move groups after they have been made.

• Literature Circles allow students to read a book of their choice and talk about it with classmates.

What are Literature Circles?• Groups read at their own

pace.• Each group will make a

calendar before beginning a novel to set page assignments and goals.

• Groups get together to respond to and discuss what they’re reading.

How Literature Circles Work• In preparation for each week’s

Literature Circles meeting, ROCKSTARS read their assigned pages/chapters and complete one of five Literature Circles jobs.

• Tuesdays – Reading and Planning Day

• Wednesdays – Reader’s Response Day

• Thursdays – Meeting Day! Roles are DUE!

Literature Circles Jobs

• Discussion Director– Writes high-level questions

to be used for group discussions

• Word Finder– Locates and defines

unknown and/or interesting vocabulary words in the book

• Connector– Takes events from the book

and connects them to real-life experiences

Literature Circles Jobs

• Correspondent– Writes letters to characters

in the book• Illustrator

– Illustrates scenes from the book

Group Member Qualities

• Active Listener• Supportive• Participates• Cooperative• Prepared• Personal Best

Literature Circles Meetings• Group members find a

comfortable, but professional, spot in the classroom to meet.

• They bring their books, reading response journal, and completed job sheets.

• ROCKSTARS use their “Meeting Procedures” sheet to guide the meetings.

• During meetings, it’s everyone’s job to…SHARE, in an advanced (yeah, ROCKSTARish) way!

Why?• Reading ROCKS!• It’s more fun to read with

friends! • We want to become

better readers!• Mrs. B is crazy…about

reading!