Language and Literature Circles Share Perspectives

February 11, 2021

Academics

GNS

Grade 6 students have been using quality time to discuss and dissect books in their Language and Literature circles. Similar to a book club, but more structured, students have been placed into groups where they can discuss what they are reading with their peers.

Students were given four book choices and ranked them from first to last. They were then divided into groups based on their choices. The books they chose were Awake and Dreaming by Kit Pearson, Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson, Wolf Brother by Michelle Paver and Escape the Mask by David Ward.

“I think it’s great,” Coen said about the Language and Literature Circles. “This book is interesting, I’ve never read a book like this. I’m usually reading books that are happy and cartoon-like. This is a pretty complicated book, but I like it so far.”

Coen is in a group with Liam, Eddy and Terran, and they are reading Escape the Mask.

“My favourite part is just getting into a group and talking about what we have read and the different perspectives on how things are perceived in the book,” said Eddy.

The students are responsible for a different role each time they meet. Those roles are Discussion Director, Summarizer, Text Connector, Vocab Leader and Literary Leader. The roles get students thinking about what they are reading and helps to stimulate discussion during the meeting.

Sofia, Selena, Anna and Sydney are reading Wolf Brother and are all enjoying it so far.

“We have five meetings and you have to read a certain amount of chapters and we have five different roles, where you get to be one each meeting,” explained Sofia. “Then you have to do a circle activity at each meeting to discuss the book.”

The group said that it’s been an effective way to include everyone, as the smaller group discussions ensure that each student gets a chance to share their thoughts.

“I think it’s a great way to learn,” added Selena. “My favourite part is getting everyone’s perspective on the reading.”

Throughout the unit, the students are assessed on their verbal and non-verbal communication skills like using appropriate volume for group discussion, avoiding talking over one another and active listening.