Artifact # 4
Literature Circles Unit
Literature Circles are a way in which an entire classroom can have discussions on a similar issue, topic, or theme, while continuing to enable students to read material that is on their individual reading level. In Literature Circles, students are divided into small groups that are based on their reading level. Each student is given a specific job to do while reading each section of the book. After the jobs are completed, the group comes together in order to discuss the book and their jobs. The jobs that are assigned to each student make them more accountable for their own learning and the learning that takes place through the discussion of the novel with their group members.
Context
This Literature Circles Unit was created
in a small group consisting of myself and three other members. It
was created in the fall semester of 2001 while in block at Appalachian
State University and was a part of completing my class for Language Arts
in the Elementary Schools.
Impact
The Literature Circles Unit is an effective
way for teachers to use cooperative learning and discussion skills while
having groups read material that is appropriate for their individual level
of reading. Since the novels for each group are based on reading
level, every student is able to have an opportunity to share literature
with their fellow group members while expanding his or her own experiences
with exploring literature. Since the lessons for this unit are provided
on the web, teachers can use this unit in their own classroom or as a model
for other reading units centered upon literature circles. Literature
Circles will help me as a future teacher because they will enable me to
be able to have discussion groups with all of the different reading levels
in my classroom while providing students with an opportunity to explore
literature in a fun and meaningful way.
Alignment
This Literature Circles Unit centers upon
the idea that there are diverse learners in this classroom setting (Technology
Competency 2A). Before the unit begins, the teacher must be aware
of the individual reading levels of all of the students so that he/she
can place them in the appropriate group with the developmentally appropriate
reading material. Through Literature Circles, the teacher is acknowledging
the different learning styles in the classroom by allowing opportunities
to draw, lead, direct, and explore (INTASC
3). The unit also provides students with an opportunity to share
their jobs and opinions in a small group atmosphere with others that have
read the same book. This provides the students with an opportunity
to share with and learn from their peers. The jobs also provide the
teacher with multiple ways in which to access student learning. Teachers
can assess what students are learning through technology through the job
of Investigator which allows students the opportunity to research information
on the Internet. Technology is also used to assess students in their
use of the dictionary when creating their word wizard cards as well as
using other resources to complete their roles for the various jobs (Technology
Competency 4C). Since the students are responsible for their
individual jobs and since they are learning from each other they work together
to explore the literature that has been assigned to their group (Technology
Competency 3B). This Literature Circles Unit is available to
other teachers and professionals over the Internet providing teachers with
an opportunity to use this unit as a model for their own class. Literature
Circles are a wonderful way for teachers to create positive learning experiences
for students. They help to make reading meaningful because students
are not only able to read appropriate material but they are also able to
explore and experience the material through their jobs as well as the small
group discussions (INTASC 1).
For Literature Circles to work efficiently in the classroom, the teacher
must also understand how children learn and develop (INTASC
2). If used in the correct way, Literature Circles provide a
learning opportunity that supports each student's intellectual, social
and personal development.