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| I had to add this, it's one of my favorite pictures :D |
- The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold
- Angela's Ashes by Frank McCourt
- The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky
- The Jane Austen Book Club by Karen Joy Fowler
- Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte
- The Giver by Lois Lowry
- The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
- The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath
Later in the chapter, Daniels spoke about the negatives and positives of role sheets. Role sheets are something I've been instructed to use in classes but we never used them in Lit Club. I can see how they could be useful for a club that was just starting, but beyond that I kind of feel like they would just be crutches; the participants would never think out beyond that.
In chapter two, Daniels breaks down "Eleven Key Ingredients" for his own literature circles. One of the eleven suggestions is that different groups read different books once the books have been selected. I never thought of what I would do if I had a large group and we couldn't come to a consensus on what to read. Daniels suggests that the large group breaks down into smaller groups. I think this makes a lot of sense as it allows for the students to really filter down what they truly wish to read; it's a happy medium between teacher assigned and individual reading :]
In chapter two, Daniels breaks down "Eleven Key Ingredients" for his own literature circles. One of the eleven suggestions is that different groups read different books once the books have been selected. I never thought of what I would do if I had a large group and we couldn't come to a consensus on what to read. Daniels suggests that the large group breaks down into smaller groups. I think this makes a lot of sense as it allows for the students to really filter down what they truly wish to read; it's a happy medium between teacher assigned and individual reading :]
Nicole, way to go on starting a book club! I re-read it to see how you chose books and think nominating and voting on them is a good one. My one question is how big was it? I know of a book club that meets in my town, but it is pretty big and I don't think they really discuss the books in depth at their meetings. I would want to be in a smaller club, because otherwise it is too easy to not participate. I've been noticing that everyone pretty much agrees that role sheets would be a crutch in a lc. I think Daniels idea for mixing it up and allowing smaller groups is a good one for discussion, the harder part is for the teacher to keep track of the different groups discussions.
ReplyDeleteNicole: I had a similar reaction to you when I began to read about literature circles - I was excited! I have never been part of a book club, but I do love speaking informally about books. I was the assistant manager at Borders for awhile, so I spent a lot of time every day talking to people about books. It's interesting to hear someone's thought process on how they choose what to read and what to leave on the shelf, to hear what they value in literature and what doesn't make a difference to them. It's because of these diverse processes and values that I think it's such a great idea to let students choose what they want to read occasionally. But I think it's equally as important that students can, once in awhile, try to read teacher-selected book.
ReplyDeleteI love your enthusiasm about literature circles! I definitely was excited too. I think literature circles are such a great idea to get students to talk to each other about books they read in class. I never actually thought about literature circles coming from book clubs that adults do with books. I think it makes sense now that I know but I like that adults and teachers realize that students can do the same thing with books and it is fun to talk to friends about a book you are all reading and if you are having trouble understanding it then your friend can help you. I can't wait to incorporate literature circles in my class!
ReplyDeleteNicole, I have often thought about trying to establish an after school book club or even a book club that meets once a week during lunch for students at my future school (if it does not already have one). (Your high school book club's success gives me hope!) I also loved the idea in the novel of a teacher book club, which I think would be awesome if teachers in all different disciplines would be willing to join up.
ReplyDeleteNicole, I think it is amazing that you started a book club at your high school. I had never thought about it then, but I wish my school had a book club as well. I would probably have loved to join and be part of something so wonderful.
ReplyDeleteI was amazed by the first two chapters of Literature Circles as well. I had heard of book clubs and reading groups before, but I had no idea that so much detail went into making them work in the schools. And just like you, I had no idea they were so popular.
Were there any downfalls to your own book club? Was there anything that did not work or could have gone better? If there is not book club, like yours, established when I become a teacher, I would love to become an advisor and have a group of students start one as well. Sounds like a great idea!
@Arlen: There were about 8 students in the club.
ReplyDelete@Noelle: I don't really remember there being any downfalls, it would've been nicer to have a few more people attending, but all in all it ran rather smoothly!
As everyone has already mentioned, I think it's pretty awesome that you started a book club. I think as English teachers it would be cool to try to start one up in the school we'd be working in. It could be a good way to get students into reading. I also think it would be a good way to form teacher-student relationships, as well as model for the students. You mentioned how the teacher/advisor was more like a student in the book club and I think that's great. It shows the students that pretty much anyone can really read, enjoy, and discuss books.
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