This document provides instructions for literature circles. It explains that literature circles involve small groups discussing an assigned text and setting reading schedules together. Each member is expected to come prepared with questions, passages to share, connections to make, and opinions to discuss about the characters, author and story. Students will read independently, write responses in a log with QAR questions, and participate in 25-minute discussion groups each Wednesday. Response logs will be graded based on demonstrating comprehension, preparation, cooperation, listening skills and staying on task during discussions.

1. literature circle instructions.notebook August 22, 2012
8/22/12
7th Grade Language Arts
Agenda: Assignments:
1. Warm-Up: QAR Warm-up -Book in A...(8/30)
2. Literature Circle Instructions -Short Story and response
3. Short Story with Groups (W 8/29)
-Reading log (9/7)
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2. literature circle instructions.notebook August 22, 2012
What are Literature Circles?
• structure for talking about a book with your peers
• students are in charge of the discussion and for setting
reading assignments together
• between 4 - 6 members in each literature circle
Each member comes prepared to
• ask questions ALWAYS come with questions!!!
• share passages
• share connections
• discuss the author, characters, and readers' opinions.
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3. literature circle instructions.notebook August 22, 2012
What do I need to do?
• Read your assigned text before coming to class each
Wednesday.
• Respond to the text.
• Ask QAR 3 questions in your log.
• Discuss your responses with your groups and any
other topics that will come up (discussion is about
25 minutes).
• Turn in your responses to be graded.
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4. literature circle instructions.notebook August 22, 2012
What can you put in a reading response?
• your connections to the text
• opinions
• criticism
• questions for the author
• questions about the text
• something it reminds you of
• comments on the author's style
• advice to the characters
• vocab
Focus on the typical elements that a good
reader might bring to a discussion:
questions, passages, connections,
illustrations
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5. literature circle instructions.notebook August 22, 2012
How will I be graded?
Points Possible Points Total
Works Cooperatively
5
with the group
Is prepared for
10
discussion group
Uses active listening 5
Stays on task during
5
discussion
Demonstrates 15
comprehension of text
15
through discussion with
peers
5