Chapter one of Getting Started with Literature Circles is a very brief section that focuses on how teachers can begin the planning process of literature circles for their classes. This chapter basically serves as a pep rally for teachers who are planning to begin literature circles – the authors seem to say, “You can do it! Don’t worry so much, just get started!”
The authors argue that literature circles need to be part of a “balanced program”, much like Harvey Daniel’s describes in Literature Circles: Voice and Choice in Book Clubs & Reading Groups. The authors claim that literature circles need to be part of a curriculum with other strategies, such as read aloud, independent reading/writing, shared reading/writing, guided reading/writing, and opportunities for application.
Schlick Noe and Johnson suggest that teachers choose one of two approaches when getting started with literature circles: “Start simply and let your goals grow as you do, or set a goal based on one component” (p. 3). The authors suggest that one goal could be to focus on helping students gain confidence in discussion. Teachers need to let go of “[the] need to delay beginning [literature circles] until you know exactly how you’ll reach your goals” (p. 6). They emphasize that literature circles are part of an ongoing process that is adapted and refined throughout the school year, and they explain that teachers should not expect students (or themselves) to “be good at every aspect of literature circles immediately” (p. 6).
I think this would have been helpful for me when I was teaching 12th grade English. If I had read this chapter back then, I probably would have just tried to use literature circles without worrying so much. This gives me more confidence that I can try using literature circles with short stories when I teach Reading courses. Though this book seems to be aimed toward lower grade levels than I currently teach (first through sixth grades), I hope it can still give me some ideas about how I can create literature circles in an adult remedial reading program.
Pam...sorry I'm late to your blog. Lit circles are my preferred method of teaching reading. Perfect fro my 4th and 5th grade students. I like that there is still(?) lit out there encouraging lit circles. As an elementary teacher, the "canned" programs have, in many instances, the "end all be all" of reading at the elementary level. There seems to still be hope!
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