Literature Circles
A Review of Current Web Sites
by Paula Fahy
    I performed a search of the web to find information on Literature Circles.  As with anything, some of the sites were better than others.   I've created links to the ten best sites I found. A number of sites were named "Literature Circles", wo distinguish them I have added numbers to the different sites.

    The most comprehensive sites were How Literature Circles Work and Literature Circles #1.  Both sites provides explanations of how literature circles work. They also provide explanations of the different roles students assume with in the circles, in addition to suggesting readings for the teacher and examples for integrating literature circles with in your curriculum and methods for student evaluation.  Both sites give examples of "role templets" for Discussion Director, Passage Master, Artful Artist etc., and provide various forms and examples for evaluating students progress.

    If you need, or would like to read, additional information about literature circles, both LITERATURE CIRCLES #2 and Pathfinder - Literature Circles  provide references to books and journal articles.  Pathfinder - Literature Circles also provides links to additional web sites.

    For the most current information on literature circles, including upcoming conferences,Children's Literature Circle Newsletter  is a great resource.
Welcome to LiteratureCircles.com  is also laid out in a newsletter format, discussing current concerns related to literature circles. "Hanging on to role sheets for too long" is the current topic of discussion, detailing the problems encountered when teachers rely on "role sheets" for too long. It also provides detailed information and examples of ways to schedule literature circles within your day.  Examples of student work are included.

    A few sites specifically provide information regarding the role of teachers. Literature Circles-Jan/Feb  discusses questioning techniques to promote discussion within literature circles for grades 2 through 5.  Similarly, Literature Circles #3 provides examples of the teachers role with literature circles, giving examples of questions students might ask and suggestions for answers from teachers.

    I've included Mrs. Garrison's Classroom Web Site/Literature Circles if you would like to view examples of students' work.  The site also makes suggestion for students looking for additional literature they may enjoy.

    Last, but not least, Literature Circles #4 lists the benefits of literature circles over more traditional RLA formats.