As I had mentioned previously, I started my literature circle with my group of fourth graders. I was given the option by the teacher to decide which book to use and I selected Sounder by William H. Armstrong. I selected this book because I have never read the book and also because I could tell how interesting the story would be by skimming the pages and looking at the illustrations.
My coordinating teacher chose which five students would be participating with my literature circle and he also gave me a packet that he uses for other literature circles. I sensed that the packet could be greatly improved, so I took the liberty to create a new one based on the old one. My teacher loved the new packet and even asked if he could use it in the future! I was so excited that he was pleased with my work and I felt proud.
Preparing for the literature circle was not overwhelming. I reviewed Tompkin's section on literature circles and researched online at various websites. I cherry-picked what I thought were the best suggestions and put together was I believed was best for my group. I planned well in advance; I made a chart illustrating who will have what role each week (six weeks in total). Also, I created some activities that were directly related to topics in the book. I have learned that preparation is key, though the discussion is dynamic which you can not always prepare for!
Overall, I absolutely love the literature circle. I am trying hard to make the students feel invested in their work, which is seemingly successful thus far. I will continue to blog about our meetings in detail.
Please ask any questions that you may have. Also, if you would like to see a copy of the packet (before and/or after) just let me know!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
5 comments:
I think that it is great that you are able to try out the different ideas that we are reading in the Tompkins book. I have yet to see or try a literuatre cirlce, so I am very interested to hear the outcomes of the whole thing.
It seems that you are adjusting the ideas of the literature circle to your own likings; which I think is great. It is a great experience for you to change lessons or ideas for yourself, but especially for your children.
I think that it is great that your teacher wants to use your packet that you deisgned..how exciting. I am new to this whole packet activity with the reading, I would like a copy to check it out. It seems that you really enjoy the circles, do you think that you will be using Literature Cirlces in your own classroom?
Would there be any other changes that you would make in the future, if you were to do this again? Also, what do you think would be different if you had the children deciding what book they would read together?
I think that it is great that you are able to try out the different ideas that we are reading in the Tompkins book. I have yet to see or try a literuatre cirlce, so I am very interested to hear the outcomes of the whole thing.
It seems that you are adjusting the ideas of the literature circle to your own likings; which I think is great. It is a great experience for you to change lessons or ideas for yourself, but especially for your children.
I think that it is great that your teacher wants to use your packet that you deisgned..how exciting. I am new to this whole packet activity with the reading, I would like a copy to check it out. It seems that you really enjoy the circles, do you think that you will be using Literature Cirlces in your own classroom?
Would there be any other changes that you would make in the future, if you were to do this again? Also, what do you think would be different if you had the children deciding what book they would read together?
Hi Taylor~
I remember seeing your presentation of this lesson in class last week and I was amazed than and am still.
You obviously took a lot of time to plan this literature circle. I loved how you wanted to make updated sheets for the students to adress their needs. This shows you were willing to readress the current needs of the students in your classroom, and work at making modifications and adaptions that will aid in student learning.
It must have been such a great experience trying out a new book and using a lesson that was more self derived and that you felt would better suit the needs of your students. How amazing it must have been to have your classroom teacher wanting to use the new packet you've designed! EXCELLENT EFFORT sounds like you are on your way to being a GREAT TEACHER.
Taylor, I would love a copy of the packet. It is the same one that you showed me that day I was waiting for Joanne, because that packet was awesome! It was well thought out and organized wonderfully. I am always looking for ways to improve my own literature circles, so if you have any suggestions please let me know.
Ann,
The packet is the same one that I shared with you in the hallway. I will make sure to get a copy to you sometime after Spring Break. The students are responding so positively to the changes that I have made to the original!
One of the problems that I am facing is the result of CMT testing combined with Day Light Savings Time -- the students seem impatient, tired, and do not really want extra work. I can't wait for next week to have their attention back!
Post a Comment