Literacy Circle



Dear Parents, Caregivers and Students,

This term we are launching “ literacy circles” in Room 9. This letter is to help explain what these are all about.

The purpose of literature circles is to enhance a love of reading and develop the ability to explore books together with other readers.

Students are invited to choose a book from a selection we have in the classroom. The first part of the process is learning to decide if a book will be suitable for them to read by using the “ five finger test” – ask your child to explain this!

Next read the book! There will be silent reading time scheduled into each days programme, but the book will need to come home to be read as well. THIS WILL BE THE STUDENTS HOME READING. I expect them to read for 10-15 minutes EVERY night. It is important for the students to choose wisely and keep going- even if at the start of the book it is a bit slow- they need to wait until they get to chapter three before they make any decisions! Books can be changed but only if the reader is able to say why and justify their decision. Good for critical thinking.

Books need to be at school on Friday for discussion time. This is where literature circles really come alive! Students will discuss the book using some guiding questions with others who have read the same book. They will only discuss the book up to the point where the slowest reader has reached – bearing in mind that slow readers often get more from the book! It is not a race to be a finished, but it is a chance to discuss and develop deep level comprehension and higher order thinking – all good things!

All books must be treated with care and respect, and we would like you to bring your reading folders to school to keep these books in good condition. Books must be returned to Room 9 – they are not library books. In order to really get into your book, it would b good to bring it to school each day to read during silent reading time.

We are looking forward to some really good discussion times.

Yours sincerely
Mrs Lieshout Room 9 Teacher
Mrs Fortune Release Teacher on Fridays