Artifact 5

This literature circle was created for 3rd grade students studying a unit on the Civil War. It encompasses multiple reading levels for the students reading at these different levels.

Impact

Literature circles are great for student cooperative learning. Students are able to work in groups with other classmates, which allows them to discuss the book together. They also allow the students to better understand what is happening in the book, by discussing the events with fellow students.

Alignment

Literature circle units are beneficial to both the students and the teacher. The teacher uses an understanding of individual and group motivation and behavior to create a learning environment that encourages positive social interaction, active engagement in learning, and self motivation (INTASC 5). Literature circles also give the teacher some flexibility because there is such an array of jobs to assign students. This allows the teacher plans instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter, students, the community, and curriculum goals (INTASC 7).

The students really make literature circle units a success. However, because the teacher designs developmentally appropriate learning opportunities that apply technology enhanced instructional strategies to support the diverse needs of learners (technology competency II A), students are able to be creative with their assigned jobs. Literature circles are so easy to post on the internet for students to view. For this reason, it is important for teachers to manage student learning activities in a technology enhanced environment (tech. comp. III D). The best part of literature circles are they are for everyone. Anyone can participate in literature circles. This is possible because they apply technology resources to enable and empower learners with diverse backgrounds, characteristics, and abilities (tech. comp. VI B). Literature circles are so fun and easy that they promote safe and healthy use of technology resources (tech. comp. VI C).