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Literature circles are small groups of students who meet to discuss a piece of literature which they have chosen. Each member of the circle is assigned a role which helps guide the discussion. I like to think of Literature circles as a book club for students. Literature circles allow for students to better understand a chapter through dissecting it based upon their role of the chapter. These circles allow for students to work independently, as a team and be held accountable to present to their group.
-Alexis Trujillo

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These are activities or group meetings conducted in the classroom by a small groups of students who are reading the same book, story, novel, etc. In literature circles, each student has a role to play and follow. This could be a questioner, summarizer, connector, etc. Each student will read the same book (or portion of a book) during the literature circle time (or beforehand). While reading, students should be taking notes and then there will be a discussion within the literature circles and each student will share their perspective in relation to their specific role. Students in litereature circles are grouped based on reading level and reading fluency.
-Saydee Willson

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small group discussion about what students have read and what they are reading. They provide an opportunity for students to listen to other classmates' ideas and to share their own. They learn many literature skills during literature circles that are needed to comprehend what they are reading. It keeps them engaged and excited about the books they are reading.
Cheyenne C.

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Literature circles are small groups of students that are assigned a certain reading. In most literature circles, students each have an assigned "job" or task to complete with the reading. They join together to discuss the reading and their findings with their jobs. Literature circles are a great way to help students dive deeper into text without overwhelming them. Literature circles can be used at almost all ages and texts can vary as the level of the readers vary as well.

Paige B.

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when a small group of students (typically 3-5) gathers together to discuss a piece of literature in depth, the discussion is guided by students' response to what they have read. Literature circles provide a way for students to engage in critical thinking and reflection as they read, discuss, and respond to books. Literature circles guide students to deeper understanding of what they read through structured discussions and extended written and artistic responses.

- emily tweten

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In a literature circle, a small group of students gather to discuss a book or piece of literature in depth. The discussion is guided by student’s questions and ideas about the text. Students are encouraged to discuss main ideas, characters, personal experiences related to the book, the author, etc. Students working together and having constructive conversations is the goal of this time and group. Students work off each other’s ideas to form new ideas and perspective.
- Kodi Sim

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A small group of students who read and discuss the same books. Students are given different roles as they explore different parts of the text. Ideally this allows students to hone many different skills including reading, writing, critical thinking, speaking, and cooperative learning. It encourages students to share ideas and see things from other perspectives. Literature circles can be a great learning tool for many students but teachers should also be sensitive to the fact that being assigned a specific role, reading a set amount independently, or speaking up in a group may be really difficult for some students. My oldest son saw me searching for Literature Circle ideas and Pinterest and had a pretty strong reaction. He is a really smart social kid, but the pressure he felt fulfilling a role in lit circles made him hate the experience. I still think they are a great idea but we should be aware of how students are reacting/feeling as we introduce lit circles.
-Shayla M.

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Literature circles are when students get into groups of  3-5 students. Students will choose their own reading and roles. Each student will be responsible for their own role. Students will read the book then have a discussion about the book. The roles are designed to guide the discussion so that students can get a better understanding of the book that they just read. The literature circle will allow students to work together and independently. They are designed to help students become better readers and help students have better comprehension skills.
-Sierra Flores

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Literature circles are a small group of readers who have the same book. They read and discuss together. Each student is assigned a specific "job" to keep the discussions engaging. The circle can bring students together in ways they each relate to the book. It allows different perspectives to be discussed as well. Literature circles are a great way to include all students in reading.

-Crystal M

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Literature circles are an amazing way to get students to dig deeper into a book and learn how others interpret it.  They encourage creativity, freedom of expression, interpersonal communication, and a love of reading.  There are so many ways these can be constructed that you can make them fit any group.  I love that students with similar interests can be put together so they can really 'geek out'.  Or you can mix a diverse group who can help each other see from different perspectives.  Most of all, I love the sense of freedom students will feel when they are given guidelines but not specifics and can grow the group in any way they choose.
-Cassie