Book Club

Book Club Rotation Class

Students will read and analyze a variety of books in small groups and then share what they have read in discussion groups and whole class presentations through creative projects. Activities may include book talks, group readings, audio books, readers’ theater, PowerPoint presentations, reports, speeches, creative writing, etc. Class members will choose many of the books read throughout the quarter. Daily reading and assignments both in and out of class will be required.

 Click on the Book Club Assignments link at the right (under Menu) to access handouts and assignments.

 Supplies Needed: A pocket folder with brads and post-it notes.

What are literature circles?

A literature circle is a group of 3-5 students gathered together to discuss the book they are reading or have just finished reading.

Each person is required to respond to the day's reading by completing a handout. These handouts will be used to guide the discussion.

Handouts/activities will be collected and graded.

Group members are given individual participation grades.

Groups are formed according to book choice and exist only until the book has been read, the group has met for the specified number of times, and the end project has been completed.

Groups will change for the next book.

What will I have to do?

Listen to the book talks

List the your book choices in order of preference. ***Do not list books based on your friends. Choose a book based on what interests YOU***

Read assigned pages/chapters every day.

Reflect on your readings by completing daily activity handouts.

Use post it notes to mark interesting/confusing passages for discussion.

Meet at designated times for quality discussions.

Self-evaluate performance.

Complete and present an end project for the book.

How to Behave in Lit Circles

Keep your eyes on the person who is speaking.

Keep your hands still and empty.

Sit up straight.

Keep your mind focused on what the other person is saying.

Ask questions.

Politely disagree and explain why you disagree.

Make sure only one voice is speaking during a discussion.

Use what others have said as a “spring board” for something you want to say. (Ex. “Cory said the horseback riding part reminded him of the time he went out west and went horseback riding with his cousins. That reminded me of the time I went to Brett’s house and rode horses around his ranch. But that was a lot different than the horseback riding in this book.”)

Always have your book with you in discussion and refer to it often.

Encourage others when they speak. Say something like “Good point.” Or “I like how you explained that.” Or, “Would you explain that again please?”

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A Few No No’s

Don’t work on your lit circle task during discussion.

Don’t talk to others in a different lit circle.

Don’t make fun of others or their work. Ever.

Don’t come to your discussion unprepared.

Don’t fill out your evaluation sheets until the discussion is officially over.

Rules for Quality Discussions

Discussion Elements Chart