Something I’ve been doing for the past several years is starting a book club/literature circle with my students. Most of them seem to really enjoy it, especially since I allow them to lead the group themselves rather than it be me who guides the discussion. I usually do this toward the end of the school year, as independent work expectations have been clearly established by then and, after end-of-year testing is over, the students need something to work on.

If you are looking for an activity like this to do with your students, keep reading!

📚Increases independence and autonomy

Students will get to choose their own books, make their own expectations, set their own reading pace, and choose their own job rotation. Once getting started, you’re no longer taking the lead, Teach! The students have the reins now. I always tell my students that their book club time is like guided reading, except they’re the ones leading the discussion, not me. I will check on them weekly, however, to make sure they’re on the right track.

📚Strengthens reading comprehension skills

I’m sure there are many other literature circle jobs that could be assigned, but the ones in this resource are: Word Wizard, Discussion Director, Creative Connector, Passage Picker, and Sketch Artist. Each of these jobs focuses on a reading comprehension strategy, so the students get authentic practice when meeting with their peers.