Literature Circles

Students Read Novels and Look at a Variety of Literary Elements

Students pick a novel based on a variety of characteristics.  The students are then separated into groups and read the novel with this group of peers.  Each night the students are given a task to complete in order to help the group see the novel through a variety of lenses.  The students are working as a part of a whole and without each student’s individual part, the group wouldn’t work efficiently.  This attitude motivates students to achieve their optimal performance levels.  The students use literary elements found within their novel to spark group debates in a fun-filled, yet competitive nature.

Challenges or Obstacles:

  • Finding copies of unique literature.
  • Pairing students based off of a variety of interests yet using their reading level.

Benefits and Successes:

  • Students feel empowered and are engaged.
  • Students are needed among their groups.
  • Students have choice and are planning much of their learning.

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Submitted by: Emily Keifer and Megan Hunter, Cowan Elementary School