Using Literature Circles to Motivate All Learners

Using Literature Circles to Motivate All Learners

Literature circles are an effective way to encourage inquiry among students and demonstrate their comprehension through dialogue and individual expression.  After completing a novel or short story with your students, assign literature circle roles to each student in small groups, clearly explaining the roles and your expectations.  Typically, there is a discussion director who designs questions for dialogue among team members to elicit critical thinking, a summarizer to discuss what was read, an illustrator to express a particular scene of importance, and a predictor to provide ideas of what may happen next in the reading.  The roles allow for independent learning while encouraging social models of learning and inquiry.  While students prepare their roles, provide feedback about essential elements they may wish to include in their discussion.  Answer questions and guide students to create a discussion that will provide insight into the reading.  As students begin their discussions, join each team.  Actively listen to the thoughts and opinions of students and ask questions when appropriate to articulate further depth of the characters and theme.  By using literature circles, you allow students the chance to take charge through both independent and interpersonal learning.