Literature+Circles

__LITERATURE CIRCLES__ **DUE:** **VARIABLE** (see below)

In literature circles, small groups of students gather together to discuss a piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by students' response to what they have read. You may hear talk about events and characters in the book, the author's craft, or personal experiences related to the story. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Collaboration is at the heart of this approach. Students reshape and add onto their understanding as they construct meaning with other readers. Finally, literature circles guide students to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussion and extended written and artistic response. (From Lit Circles: [])

** All responses for Literature Circles will be posted in the appropriate forums on Moodle. **
__ GRADING FOR LITERATURE CIRCLES: __

A = superior effort; Completed all required postings and responses to classmate; often posted more times than necessary to extend discussion. Postings provided “food for thought” and showed comprehension of the material. Responses provided discussion points and were well thought out.

B = beyond satisfactory effort; Completed all required postings and responses to classmates. Postings showed adequate comprehension of material read.

C = satisfactory effort; Completed most postings and responses. Postings were simple and did not always extend discussion.

D = unsatisfactory effort demonstrated; Completed many postings and responses, but responses were short or unrelated to the book read.

__ Seedfolks __ **Read & Discuss:** June 18-19
 * 1) Create 1 post in this forum. Choose one of the characters from the story that you connected with. Why did you connect with this character? Your response should be at least 1 paragraph long.
 * 2) Post at least two "meaningful" responses to your classmate’s notes. (A meaningful response is at least 2 sentences long).

__ Sarah, Plain and Tall __ **Read & Discuss:** June 19-22 > > >
 * 1) Select one question from each topic area (plot, theme, and character).
 * 2) Post your answer for each question (3 posts total). Your answer should be at least 1 paragraph long.
 * 3) Post at least two "meaningful" responses to your classmate’s notes. (A meaningful response is at least 2 sentences long).
 * Thinking about the plot **
 * 1) Why does Sarah come to stay with this family?
 * 2) Why do the children worry that Sarah may leave them?
 * 3) What things does Sarah do that make the reader understand she will stay on the prairie?
 * Thinking about themes **
 * 1) What do you think is the most important theme in //Sarah, Plain and Tall?//
 * 2) What are some different kinds of families that you know?
 * 3) Have you ever had a new beginning in your life? What was it? How did it change things for you?
 * Thinking about the characters **
 * 1) Is there a character in //Sarah, Plain and Tall// you think is a little like you? How so? If not, do any of the characters seem like someone else in your life? in what ways?
 * 2) Which of the characters do you like the most? the least? Why?
 * 3) Are Anna and Caleb similar to kids you know who are the same age? How are they different?

__ Bridge to Terabithia __ **Read & Discuss:** June 22-26
 * 1) Choose 2 of the 6 prompts listed below. Complete 2 separate postings sharing your response to the questions you've chosen. Your answer should be at least 1 paragraph long.
 * 2) Post at least two "meaningful" responses to your classmates notes. (A meaningful response is at least 2 sentences long).


 * Friendship **

How do Jess and Leslie become friends? What interests and feelings regarding other people do they share? How are they different? Describe these characters from different backgrounds who become best friends.


 * Moving in **

When Leslie explains that her parents have moved to the country to reassess their value structure, Jess observes, “But you’re the one that’s gotta pay.” What do you think Jess means? Do you agree with him? Why or why not? Can you think of situations from real life that are similar to the one Leslie faces?


 * Families **

Family members can affect the psychological well-being of one another, both positively and negatively. How does this statement apply to the Aarons and Burke families in //Bridge to Terabithia,// citing examples from the text. Can you think of situations from real life that are similar to the ones the each family faces?


 * Growth Chart **

By the end of the novel, Jess has changed in important ways and has learned a great deal about himself and others. Write about Jess’s growth and development over the course of the novel. As you write, consider these questions: What lessons does Jess learn? From whom? What strengths does he discover in himself and in others? What new beliefs and values does he develop? Which experiences are especially valuable to him?


 * Terabithia **

Terabithia is a place where Jess and Leslie can escape from everyday cares and pres- sures and indulge in the life of the imagination. Write about the importance of the imagination as a means of escape from the problems and stresses of everyday life. Can dreaming and imagining be productive activities, or are they just a waste of time? Think about Leslie and Jess’s experiences as you write.


 * Personal Response **

How did you respond to the ending of //Bridge to Terabithia?// What other endings might the story have had? Would it have changed your opinion of the book if the endings had been different?

__ Diary of a Wimpy Kid __ **Read & Discuss:** June 27-29
 * 1) Complete 2 postings in this forum, answering the following questions. Your answer should be at least 1 paragraph long.
 * 2) Post at least two "meaningful" responses to your classmates notes. (A meaningful response is at least 2 sentences long).

1. Are Greg and Rowley portrayed as typical middle school boys? Cite specific events in the story made this book realistic?

2. You will encounter a reluctant reader during your teaching career or even with children you know. Is this a book that you'd recommend to a reluctant reader? Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the story that would appeal to a reluctant reader.

__ The Giver __ **Read & Discuss:** June 29-July 5
 * 1) Choose 1 question from each of the topics listed below. Create 3 separate postings to share your answer. Your answer should be at least one paragraph in length.
 * 2) You will need to comment on at least 2 postings from your classmates with a thoughtful response. Thoughtful responses are at least 2 sentences in length.

1. What do //you// think is the most important theme in //The Giver?// Explain your answer. 2. How much would you be willing to give up to live in a safe and secure world? Would you give up as much as the people in Jonas’s community? 3. What are the good and bad things about Jonas’s family?
 * Thinking about the themes **
 * Connections
 * Sameness vs. Diversity
 * Family
 * Honesty
 * Choice
 * Freedom vs. Security
 * Individuality


 * Thinking about the characters **
 * 1) Who would you rather have for a friend, Jonas or Asher? Why?
 * 2) Do you think The Giver would be a good grandfather? Why or why not?
 * 3) What does Gabe represent at the end of this book?
 * 4) How can Jonas’s father be so fond of children and still perform releases?


 * Thinking about what others think about The Giver **
 * 1) Do you think that //The Giver// seems like an award-winning book? What other Newbery Medal–winning books have you read? How does //The Giver// compare?
 * 2) How does the subject of censorship relate to the theme of //The Giver?// What do you think the leaders in Jonas’s community would say about censorship? What would Jonas and The Giver say?
 * 3) How do you imagine //The Giver// ends? Would you like to see the ending more spelled out? Why or why not?

__ The Hunger Games __ **Read & Discuss:** July 5-11
 * 1) Choose 3 of the 6 questions below to answer. Create 3 postings in this forum answering the questions. Your answers should be at least 1 paragraph long.
 * 2) Comment on at least 2 other postings. Your responses/comments should be thoughtful and at least 2 sentences long.


 * 1) How does Katniss feel about the country of Panem? Why does she need to make her face “an indifferent mask” and be careful what she says in public?


 * 1) Before the Games start, Peeta tells Katniss,“. . . I want to die as myself . . . I don’t want them to change me in there.Turn me into some kind of monster that I’m not.”What does this tell you about Peeta? What does he fear more than death? Is he able to stay true to himself during the Games?


 * 1) Why does Katniss ignore Haymitch’s advice to head directly away from the Cornucopia? Did she do the right thing to fight for equipment? What are the most important skills she has for staying alive? Her knowledge of nature? Her skill with a bow and arrow? Her trapping ability? What qualities of her personality keep her going? Her capacity for love? Her intelligence? Her self-control?


 * 1) When does Katniss first realize that Peeta does care for her and is trying to keep her alive? When does she realize her own feelings for him? Did Haymitch think all along that he could keep them both alive by stressing the love story? Are they actually in love?


 * 1) What do you think is the cruelest part of the Hunger Games? What kind of people would devise this spectacle for the entertainment of their populace? Can you see parallels between these Games and the society that condones them, and other related events and cultures in the history of the world?


 * 1) Reality TV has been a part of the entertainment world since the early days of television (with shows such as //Candid Camera// and the //Miss America Pageant),// but in the 21st century there has been a tremendous growth of competitive shows and survival shows. Discuss this phenomenon with respect to //The Hunger Games. What// other aspects of our popular culture do you see reflected in this story?

__ Web Links for Literature Circles __ [|Literature Circles]

[|Laura Candler Lit Circles]