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!