​11.  LITERATURE CIRCLES (Reading, Collaboration, Discussion)
 
Description: As highlighted in ReadWriteThink.org, Literature Circles are formalized reading/writing groups in which each student has a defined role to play within the group.
 
Application: This format is used when students are analyzing a novel or other piece of significant literature. 
 
Process: Form student groups. Introduce literature circles by explaining they are “groups of people reading the same book and meeting together to discuss what they have read” (Peralta-Nash and Dutch 30). Emphasize the student-centered collaborative nature of the reading strategy by discussing how the strategy places students “in charge of leading their own discussions as well as making decisions for themselves” (Peralta-Nash and Dutch 30). Share some of the ways that students will work independently (e.g., choosing the text the group will read, deciding on the questions that the group will discuss about the text). Introduce the Literature Circle Roles (Addendum U) to the class and answer any questions that students have about these roles:
Discussion Director: creates questions to increase comprehension and asks who, what, why, when, where, how, and what if.
Vocabulary Enricher: clarifies word meanings and pronunciations and uses research resources.
Literary Luminary: guides oral reading for a purpose and examines figurative language, parts of speech, and vivid descriptions.
Checker: checks for completion of assignments, evaluates participation, and helps monitor discussion for equal participation.
 
Preview the way that literature circles work for students, sharing the Literature Circle Process (Addendum V). Explain that the class will practice each of the roles before students try the tasks on their own.                                                                                                                                                                                 

References, graphics, and/or for more information: 
11. Literature Circles
http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/litcirclemodels.php
http://www.readwritethink.org