Using the adult reading group model, literature circles promote habits of choice, independence, and resourcefulness while putting strategic reading to work. Working from Mini-Lessons for Literature Circles by Harvey Daniels and Nancy Steineke, seminar participants explore proven activities and interactions that invite students into the world of books, writers, and ideas.
Teachers learn how to get started with book-discussion groups, how to use mini-lessons to teach social skills, reading strategies, literary appreciation, and how to support and monitor student learning. Even more, they will discuss ways to problem solve, add variations and refinements to lessons, and use various forms of assessment.
Course Goals:- Give a brief definition of literature circles or book clubs
- Offer demonstrations of five Mini-Lessons that can help you:
- get started with book clubs
- solve predictable problems
- add variations and refinements
- explore forms of assessment
- try new kinds of after-the-book projects
- Engage in these activities ourselves, in groups of 4 or 5, so you can experience the ideas from the inside out. By the end of the day, you'll be ready to adapt and use many of the book's 45 Mini-Lessons-and start designing your own.
Professional Development
