Literature Circles

Mrs. Ts 9th Grade LA

Goal:
For this project, you and your classmates will be assigned to a group of 3-4. Groups will meet every Tuesday and Friday for Literature Circle time. The primary goal of your group will be to read and explore a dystopian novel. You will need to work together to make sure that everyone is reading and understanding the text.

Novels
The Giver by Louis Lowry
Uglies by Scott Westerfeld 1984 by George Orwell

Lit. Circle Jobs

Discussion Director
Artful Recorder and Connector Literary Luminary
You will each take turns filling the above roles in your meetings. While there are specific duties for each role, remember that all members must participate in discussions and inquires beyond these duties.
YOU MUST READ!

Discussion Director:
Responsible for generating at least 3 questions or observations from the reading to generate discussion, keep it going, and keep everyone on task. You will ask the questions, but will receive input and comments of other group members before giving your own commentary.

Artful Recorder and Connector

Keep record of the discussion including a written summary/notes from your meeting Make connections between the reading and event of ones own life, or world from the past or present. You will offer your observations and connections and lead others in sharing theirs. You may choose to look up information on the web.

Literary Luminary
Will identify important passages from the reading and will lead discussion surrounding them.
You will respond to the passage and lead other group members in responding to your response and to the text.

How will you be graded on the role sheets and self evaluations
I will observe groups during your reading and discussion. You will receive a check from me when I observe your constructive participation in group meetings.

These are the things I will be looking for and the things you will want to avoid:
Things to do:
1. Express an opinion 2. Ask a question 3. Support anothers opinion 4. Challenge/question anothers opinion 5. Make an analogy 6. Answer a question 7. Give directions

Things to avoid:
1. Talking off topic 2. Putting down anothers ideas 3. Exhibiting distracting behavior 4. Dominating the discussion 5. Relying on others to carry discussion and make meaning from the text

8. Evaluate
9. Be willing to question text 10. Be attentive 11. Build others ideas 12. Discuss beyond the literal level 13. Be open and flexible

How Will You Be Graded?!

You may receive a check from each of your group members on a given Lit. Circle day. You will receive a check from me if your documentation provides proof that you thoughtfully participated and fulfilled your given role. You will receive one check for completing your self-evaluation each Lit. Circle day. You may receive a check from me based on my observations of your participation in each Lit. Circle meeting.

How Will You be Gradedcont.

This means that you have the opportunity to earn up to 5 checks for each meeting, for a total of 35 checks over the course of the 7 meetings.
Rubric provided for you I will observe groups during your reading and discussion. You will receive a check from me when I observe your constructive participation in group meetings.