Mrs.Weston Name: _________________
English I Date: ____________
Nonfiction: Literature Circle
During the next few weeks, we will be reading various nonfiction novels. Our discussions will be in a literature circle format, with each student having an assigned role of key importance. It is essential that each student complete his or her assigned task daily, in order for his/her group to succeed. Each student will receive two grades for the literature circle work, one for the group performance, and one for individual performance. Our literary circle groups will have five members. The titles and duties of each literary circle member are as follows:
Title | Duties |
| Discussion Director | As the discussion director of your group, you will formulate two open-ended analytical questions to initiate your group’s discussion on each chapter. Open-ended questions require thoughtful consideration, analysis, and evaluation. Examples: 1. Why do you think …? 2. What inferences can you make regarding …? The discussion director is also responsible for keeping the group focused on the topics of discussion pertaining to the novel. |
| Connector Collector | As the connector collector of your group, you will write down a passage that you connect with, parenthetically citing the page number. Then you will explain the connection. After you share your connection with your literature circle, you will ask if anyone else can connect to this passage and ask them to share their connections. |
| Practical Predictor | As the practical predictor of your group, you will record a passage that allows you to make a practical prediction, parenthetically citing the page number. . This passage will be one that makes you think about something that might happen later. When an author hints at future events in a plot, this is called “foreshadowing”. |
| Literary Luminary | As the literary luminary of your group, you will identify and write down a passage that you clearly visualize (minimum of 25 words), parenthetically citing the page number. You will then illustrate the passage to the best of your ability. Use captions to help your group interpret your visual representation of the passage. |
| Word Wizard | As the word wizard of your group, you will locate challenging vocabulary words, and write them down in context (the sentence in which they are used), parenthetically citing the page number. You will be responsible for finding at least two words in each chapter. You will 1. Introduce each word to your group by sharing your vocabulary block. 2. Read the sentence in which you located the word. Where did you find it? What page number? 3. Tell your group what makes this word unique. 4. List synonyms for the word. 5. Sketch something that will help you remember the word. |
