Literature Circles In the Classroom Back to School Night 2004 Ms. Corsover

Self – Regulated Learning Self-regulated learning : the ultimate goal of modern education. Defined as a student who takes responsibility for: Goal-setting Goal-setting Planning Planning Self-motivation Self-motivation Attention control Attention control Application of learning strategies Application of learning strategies Self-monitoring, evaluation, and reflection Self-monitoring, evaluation, and reflection

Co-regulated Learning A reasonable bridge between directed learning and self-regulated learning Directed Learning (Teacher driven) Self-regulated Learning (Student driven) (Shared planning)

Literature circles are a perfect example of co- regulated learning!

Characteristics of a Literature Circle Students choose reading materials from the teacher’s approved selections Students form small, temporary groups based on their book choice Groups meet regularly according to student-developed schedules Students make notes to guide their reading and discussion Students choose topics for discussion and ask open-ended questions Teachers are facilitators, not group leaders Teachers evaluate through observation and student self- evaluations The classroom is a community of learners; students are actively engaged After reading a book, students share info with classmates

What do you talk about in a Literature Circle? The Book Connections The Reading Process Social Issues The Group Process

Assessment Can be accomplished through: Observation of student collaboration, independent reading, discussion participation, presentation of books and projects Observation of student collaboration, independent reading, discussion participation, presentation of books and projects Monitoring student progress through schedules, assignment sheets, and notes Monitoring student progress through schedules, assignment sheets, and notes Assessing reading log entries and projects Assessing reading log entries and projects Examining self-evaluation through checklists and one-on-one conferences Examining self-evaluation through checklists and one-on-one conferences

Benefits of Literature Circles Students view themselves as readers Students view themselves as readers Students read high-quality books Students read high-quality books Students are inspired to write Students are inspired to write Students develop: Students develop: Reading preferences Reading preferences Critical and creative thinking Critical and creative thinking Responsibility for completing projects Responsibility for completing projects Self-assessment and monitoring techniques Self-assessment and monitoring techniques

What Can Parents Do to Help? Ask open-ended questions about what your child is reading Ask open-ended questions about what your child is reading Ex: What is the main character like? What was the most exciting part of the story? Ex: What is the main character like? What was the most exciting part of the story? Read the books they have chosen, if possible, and express your opinions Read the books they have chosen, if possible, and express your opinions Visit the library or bookstore to find other reading selections connected to the in-class reading material (same subject or author) Visit the library or bookstore to find other reading selections connected to the in-class reading material (same subject or author) Encourage all forms of reading and writing at home: letters, directions, magazines, books, etc.

Credits Text and information gathered from the following sources: Literacy for the 21 st Century. Gail E. Tompkins, Merrill Prentice Hall, Human Learning. Jeanne Ormrod, Merrill Prentice Hall, 2004.