Entry #5 - Literature Circles

A reflection on implementing Literature Cirlces in the ESL Classroom with the Book Buddies

What are your overall impressions of implementation?

I found that students were very receptive to the idea of Literature Circles. The students enjoyed being able to talk about the literature in a small group environment. Students were excited to explore the literature in the pre-reading exercise and made some very interesting predictions for what the book would be about. Students were also able to think very imaginatively about the book and pictures from the book. It was a very interesting experience.

How did the students react to the literature?

The students reacted very well to the literature. They enjoyed the idea of reading a story about time travel and impressions that people of the past had of the future. They were very open to reading together and quietly talked to each other as they worked together.

How did the students react to discussing the selected texts?

Students were very open to discussion of the text. Students are very accostomed to discussing text in my classroom, so the usual suspects jumped right in. I like literature circles because it gives students who would not be comfortable about talking with the class are comfortable with talking in the group setting.

How appropriate is the Literature Circle Technique for second language learners?

I think Literature Circles are a VERY good technique for second language learners, especially those who have an intermediate to advanced understanding of the language. Students need the time to discuss literature with their peers, and share their understanding and impressions of what they are reading in a safe and open environment. I believe students enjoy having the freedom to talk with their peers and share within their groups.

I have had trouble implementing literature cirlces with beginning students because to me it seems that students have a hard time understanding the concept and do not wish to share their thoughts as some of them are still in the silent or emergent speaking period and not ready to work in that format.

What changes would you make if you were to repeat this lesson?

My students had a really hard time with the during reading marking interesting passages or unfamiliar vocabulary. I had some students write random page numbers in the during reading section of the literature cirlce worksheet. I believe, with ELL students, they are using a higher level of concentration while reading, if they are to stop reading to mark down words they don't understand, or interesting passages they usually lose their place. I next time I will give students a set of sentences to look for that have a specific meaning to the text. I will only have them listen for the words or sentences and mark after reading if they noticed hearing and reading them. I found my students do not like interruption to their reading time.

What suggestions do you have for other ESL professionals considering implementing literature circles?

I would suggest to DO IT!! Literature circles are very common and the students really enjoy the independence and group work aspect of the literature circles. I really like to see students reading and talking together in a productive manner, and when the scene is set, they will really enjoy the experience and use it in a positive way.