Reading Circles

In my classroom that I am observing in, they are currently working on their final project for their reading circles. The way my teacher uses reading circles is by allowing the students to choose their group members as well as the book they would like to read. Students were able to choose any book they would like as well as any grade level, as long as the teacher approved.

The students were encouraged to read 30 pages a week in order to finish their books in 5 weeks. Students who chose larger books were expected to read more.

Today the students were working on their presentations on the book. They had to include a pyramid describing 3 rising actions, the climax, and 2 falling actions/resolution, as well as a summary, the title, and author.  Students will also give an oral presentation of their books, describing their poster, the summary of the book and their opinion.

I think this is a great way to encourage students to read. The ability to chose the book you want to read greatly impacts your whole view on class reading. And because students present on the books, other students can get ideas for the next book they would like to read. Reading various books also helps students learn what kind of genre they are interested in.