Literature Circles to Enhance Reading Comprehension

A Literature circle, sometimes referred to as a book club, is a type of reading instruction that is commonly found within a balanced literacy program. The main goal of literature circles is to enable children to develop a thorough understanding of a text. Reading comprehension is deepened through the completion of individualized tasks, combined with small group discussions. This form of reading instruction involves student choice, which fosters a student-centered love of literature. Through the use of literature circles, students are given the opportunity to purposefully respond to a text, make connections from their background knowledge, engage in critical responses to make meaning from the text, and much, much more!
Course participants will research the philosophy behind literature circles, as well as the methods, roles, and procedures of literature circles. Through this research, participants will learn how to implement this form of reading instruction within his/her own classroom. This course will provide information on the ways in which to differentiate literature circles, in order to the meet the needs of both advanced and struggling readers. In addition, this course will provide resources for teachers to further explore literature circles including: bibliographies of suggested literature, role worksheets, lessons plans, and much more! Suitable all educators, K – 12.

ON-LINE (3 credits/45 hours) in-service credit only