Literature Circles:
There is NO ONE Way to do it right!
How does this look in the classroom?
In literature circles, small groups of students gather together to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students' responses to what they have read. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. Finally, literature circles guide students to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussion and extended written and artistic response.
Opponents say, "Managing Several Books is Too Hard!"
Implementing Literature Circles in the classroom is not only fun for students, but is also good instructional practice. Teachers aren't obligated to read each text that students read, but they are expected to confer with students about what they are reading.
FCS moves to Personalized Learning
Students are given "Choice and Voice" by selecting books they want to read that are within their lexile range or a little above/below.
Readers' Workshop Model
Focuses on reading strategies, standards, and behaviors (POV).
Cultivate a Culture of Good Habits
Donalyn Miller, author of The Book Whisperer, suggests five good habits for parents and teachers to cultivate habits of life-long readers.
Penny Kittle
Author of Book Love is a strong proponent of students receiving adequate class time to read because it creates good habits both in-class and at-home.
Let Students Choose!
"Any book that helps a child to form a habit of reading, to make reading one of his deep and continuing needs, is good for him." ~Maya Angelou
Keep Records
Students should keep their own records on what they have read and what they want to read next.
Book Talks: Hook Potential Readers!
Teachers can preview books with students once a week or twice a month to get readers excited about future readings. Students can record the names of novels they'd like to read and create an "ideal bookshelf".
What Does Literature Circles Look Like in Fulton County Schools?
Middle Grades
All students not enrolled in a foreign language class at the middle school level are placed in Reading. There is a misconception that teachers cannot appropriately facilitate whole group discussions when students are reading a variety of texts.
Stuck in Neutral
"I choose to read this book because Mrs. Magee made it sound interesting. Plus, he's 14 like me."
Inside NG for Middle Grades Reading Courses
The Inside NG curriculum has leveled books that accompany each unit.
Variety of Topics on General Theme
Each book within this theme focuses on the main character making a decision.
Drop Everything And Read (DEAR)
Students at Sandtown Middle are required to read for a minimum of 10 minutes at the beginning of each class period.
Student Response 1
"I heard Mrs. Magee say it was good, so I picked it up. I'm not sure if she really read it, but she should because it's actually not bad."
Student Response 2
"I told Mrs. Magee that I read and liked The Skin I'm In, so she said I'd probably like Romiette and Julio. I told my friends in another class about it, now they're reading it too."
Elementary Schools
Balanced Literacy is the focus in the ELA classroom.
Easy, Challenging, Just Right Books
Students read when they're interested. If students find the text to be 'easy', encourage them to find a JR or C book; however, the goal is to get them hooked.
The Five Finger Method
This is a great tool to determine if a book is at the child's lexile level. Parents can use this at home if they're unsure if a book is "just right" for their child.
K-5 Literacy Approach
All FC elementary schools are expected to use the Balanced Literacy instructional approach.