LLSS528 Getting Started With Literature Circles Chapter 1

I have chosen to read Getting Started With Literature Circles, by Katherine Schlick Noe and Nancy Johnson. I really like that the introduction of this book structures it for meaning. Rather than having to read through the whole book to find answers to our questions, the introduction has possible scenarios that will show if you'll like this book. Also, there is a list of guiding questions and it outlines what chapters you can look in to find answers to those questions. Lastly, it of course explains what a literature circle is, and some underlying assumptions for the book.

Chapter 1: Building a Framework for Literature Circles
This chapter really outlines the fact that literature circles need to fit within the lesson and not be something that's forced. This is so they begin to feel natural to the students, which in my opinion really creates a safe a comfortable environment to discuss common literature. For example, when I was in 7th grade the entire class of 7th graders got to choose a group they wanted to be in, that group chose a book they wanted to read, and for 1 month, twice a week, the entire 7th grade would gather in our common area in our groups to discuss the books. These literature circles were great for facilitating discussions about books we got to choose on our own. The book says that you need to ask:
What's your goal?
Why is this an important goal?
How can I teach this goal?
This chapter was very short and the main idea was that a successful reading circle will have attainable goals. I want to end with my favorite quote:
"If we wish to open the world of literacy to our children, what they are asked to read should from the very beginning help them to understand themselves and their world."