Literature Circles

Have you even joined a book club?  Delicious snacks, fun company, and engaging conversations!  This idea can be brought to life in your classroom through Literature Circles.

What is a literature circle you ask?
Literature circles are small groups of students who have gathered together to discuss and analyze a piece of literature they chose. 

Each member of the group is assigned a role to help guide the discussion. Click below to watch a video about possible jobs/roles for students during a literature circle. 

Literature circles provide students with the opportunity to think critically as they read, share their thinking, ask questions, and respond to the reading selection.  Giving students the opportunity to discuss the text supports critical thinking and listening to other's ideas helps them form new ideas. 
(This is a GREAT opportunity for students to use their DOK flipbooks to support their questioning or our reading salads to engage metacognition.) 

The key to a successful literature circle is organization that supports collaboration. 

Want to get organized for literature circles?
Check out this freebie from Tales from a Very Busy Teacher to get started! 

Grab there FREE Literature Circle Bookmarks from Inspired Elementary!  While you are there, be sure to read the post Literature Circles 101!

Teacher Thrive has great tips for getting your LC up and running right away! 

I Love this blogpost and the freebie over at The Measure Mom.  She has discussion questions and book talk guidelines that will help you dive right into your literature circles!

Now here is a fantastic post from Glitter in Third Grade to help you begin to compile books for your Literature Circles!

Be sure to scroll to the bottom to view some wonderful book lists!