The Circle of Literature

The never-ending Circle of Literature.

   In the course of my life I have never been involved in a literature circle within the classroom. None of my teachers from Kindergarten - 12th Grade incorporated this technique. After reading these chapters it actually very depressing because they are so beneficial. I feel as if I missed out on an important aspect of the English education system. I went to Catholic School since pre-k and their methods are fairly rigid along with their similarities. I had innovative teachers that incorporated mock trials, had us create our own play, even had an faux Academy Award Ceremony. But it shocks me that none of my teachers included literature circles in the classroom. But it has given me further inspiration to bring literature circles inside my own classroom as some for of retribution for never experienced one. I mean sure my friends and I were all addicted to Harry Potter and discussed it quite frequently. But did we observe key themes, symbols, or ideas? Yes we did, but we did not analyze them as thoroughly like a literature circle. This is another reason why my critical thinking skills were not fully developed until I begun my college career. In all honesty, I can't even enjoy a movie like I used to because there are so many ideas running throughout my brain about what is happening in every scene.

   Moving on—I will certainly utilize literature circles within my classroom for their powerful nature. They give students the chance to delve further into works of literature and develop their critical thinking skills immensely. The teacher must take a back seat and further allow their students to run the classroom and take the class in their own direction. I feel most students will see this as an awesome opportunity to express themselves in a lighter atmosphere. Sometimes speaking in front of the whole classroom prevents certain students from speaking out of fear from being judged. In my further reading of literature circles we must offer students advice when selecting a book. I read about the five finger method: pick up a novel and begin reading anywhere and if you come to a part where a word or idea confuses you lift up a finger. If all five fingers are up at the end of the page then it may be too difficult (www.litcircles.org). So often students are drawn to something because of the cover but it may be a wrong choice for them as a potential reader. I think we need to remember literature circles are important to help inspire students... not to further confuse them!

   As future teachers we have the ability to help our students succeed! Implementing literature circles would help students on their future journeys. From sharpening their critical analysis skills to learning the importance of the written word. Not to mention their verbal communications skills will develop into powerful tools they can use for the rest of their lives. Our students want literature circles... I think they crave this type of learning. So let's give them what they want! I think we'll be shocked to see the improvements that come from this classroom tool.