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Literature Circles: American Lit Rationale Since we are nearing the end of the school year, I think it is important to provide you with an enjoyable and somewhat independent reading experience. This idea, combined with the fact that we are required to read a second American novel, provides an excellent opportunity for literature circles.

Description Literature circles are small reading groups consisting of students who read the same novel and meet periodically to discuss it. Each group will read the novel, and each group member will have a specific responsibility to fulfill before each meeting.

All reading will be done outside of class; periodically, we will devote class time to literature circles so that you can meet with your group and discuss the most recent section of the reading. It will be your responsibility to keep up with the reading assignments so that you can effectively participate on the days your group meets. If you fail to fulfill your role, your group and your grade will suffer. Don’t let your group down!

If you are absent on a group meeting day: you must have your paper emailed to me by noon of that day to receive full credit. Larkiste@eastpennsd.org /must be saved in Word 2000 or earlier version (Change “Save as Type” after clicking on “Save As” in your Word file). If you do not have access to email, you must turn in the work at the beginning of class the first day you return to receive full credit. Finally, unexcused absences will receive zero credit for missed assignments per school policy.

Responsibilities Here is a breakdown of your responsibilities:

1. Alternating Roles- For each section of the reading, you will take on one of the following roles: a. Discussion Director b. Passage Master c. Summarizer d. Connector or Artistic Adventurer

2. Role and Page Assignments sheet- To be completed after the initial meeting with your lit circle. This is a breakdown of role assignments and reading assignments.

3. Daily Group Record Sheet- To be completed by the Discussion Director after each group meeting. This is an opportunity to reflect on the group’s accomplishments and the nature of the discussion.

4. Evaluation Sheet- After each group meeting, you will confidentially evaluate each of your group members based on their fulfillment of responsibilities and their general performance within the group. (This information will be taken seriously and will affect your grade).

Evaluation Your grade will be based on the following: ➢ Teacher observation (don’t be fooled-this is not free time or social hour. Off-task behavior will discreetly be recorded, resulting in point deduction). ➢ Completion of your specific role assignment for each of the meetings. ➢ Evaluation sheets from your group members. ➢ Completion of Daily Group Record Sheet for each of the meetings. ➢ Unannounced quizzes if students are not fulfilling responsibilities (teacher’s discretion).