The issues presented
with the literature circles in Clarke and Howlwaldel are ones that I have
personally seen in with my own classrooms throughout my academic career and
even now; how divides in race, gender and socioeconomic status can lead to a
lot of conflict within the classroom. Though I have I seen this so prevalently
in my own life, I have never thought about how it would impact my classroom.
Relieving these divides and finding common ground is so essential to literature
circles. The teacher in this particular classroom, Jennifer, uses multiple
activities to minimize this divide.
Finding Common Ground
Jennifer's first
attempt to relieve this involves the students discussing their favorite TV
shows, songs, one item they would bring to a deserted island, etc. At first,
these activities triggered more conflict. However, when it was explained that
this activity was meant to bring them together and to find common ground, the
students responded positively.
Mini-Lessons
I think the mini
lessons and activities had the greatest impact breaking the divide. One
specific mini lesson focused on compliments. The students would write a poem
and the other students would say something they liked about it. This was
adapted to the literature circles by making a good literature chart with a list
of things that make up a good literature response. The students would use this
chart to respond to their peers in a positive manner.
Activities
I thought the
activities done in Jennifer's classroom were innovative, and offered a huge
opportunity for self evaluation which made students more aware of what they
could do better in their literature circles. In one activity, students would be
filmed and then watch back their literature circles. Students enjoyed doing
this and watching themselves from an outside point of view really helped them
to become self aware.
I also thought the
poker chip idea was pretty awesome! Students would get a certain amount of
poker chips, and every time they talked they would put one in. Once they ran out,
they were out of the conversation. This prevented one student from dominating
the conversation and made them think more about what they were going to say. I
imagine this also drastically decreased the amount of arguing in the classroom.
Choosing the right books
I think choosing the right books can be a great step toward productive literature circles. Certain books facilitate better discussion. It's important to find books that kids can find interest in and relate to.
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