Chapter 2 begins by examining some rules for literature circles:
- Make clear what you value
- Infuse collaboration throughout the day
- Introduce skills of respectful interaction
These rules stem from a classroom that has both excellent readers, and struggling students, such as ESL students. By maintaining the above rules, you eliminate negative emotions such as students getting frustrated with the struggling ones. Though the book is written for a young elementary classroom, I think that the basic skills discussed are still of value. For example, teaching skills for independence are ones that will carry on throughout all years of learning. All students are asked to think about what they need to do that day, and this is asked each day.
Another important rule from chapter 2 is modeling. The author asks teacher to not only model reading aloud, but also to model appropriate responses. I think the reading aloud part is pretty basic and well known, but I thought it was interesting that a person's responses to the reading should be modeled as well. For example, if a student responds to the reading with a comment, the teacher will pause to point out the comment. This creates comfort with commenting in general, and also sets an expectation that comments are desired. I also think it helps in filtering all comments to those that are most desirable.
One teacher asks at the end of the chapter how she can incorporate literature circles when it's already May. The author reminds the teacher that reading aloud is already a part of the classroom, and as long as expectations are made clear, they can be incorporated at any point in time. Though full blown circles probably won't have enough time to develop, it is definitely something she can try with her next year's class.
You may want to explain start each entry explaining or somehow marking for which course you are writing so that your followers can be clear on what you are doing.
ReplyDeleteThanks Penny. I've updated the title for each of my blog posts so it is clear which class and which book I am writing for. Hope this clears it up :)
ReplyDeleteI think the value of literature circles is key in creating a community of learners. Not only do the students get used to collaboration through out the day but the students are also able to learn how to participate respectfully in a meaningful discussion. I also think allowing time for a student to comment is very important as well. I know as a student teacher, I'm a little nervous of the silence it takes for the students to really think of meaningful comments and questions.
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