I teach third grade and most of the time students have never done literature circles. I start literature circles after the first 9 weeks (or first quarter) of school. I focus on laying a really solid foundation with our standards before starting with literature circles.

I feel it is important that we take time to introduce each job. To do this, I start all my groups with everyone in each group doing the same job. I use little readers from outdated adoptions, but you could use any shorter story. Remember, our focus is understanding the job and creating independence, so this will take 5 different 30-45 minute sessions.

I like to start with illustrator, but it doesn't really matter which job you start with. I model using a short story and then show them how to fill out the sheet. Then break the kids into groups of 5 and explain that they will be working with over the next week. They take turns reading page by page (I allow my shy readers to skip their turn, they normally warm up after the first few times) and then each fill out their own page. They can talk about it while they do it, then they turn them all in together. I do this routine each day with a different job, so after a week I have modeled each job, and they have completed each sheet. Now we are ready to dive in!

I like to structure my literature circles around what my students are interested in reading. I lay out about 5 book choices and students fill out their top three on their choice sheet. I try and make the best fit for each kid from there. When we first begin, I do literature circle twice a week and the whole class is doing them at the same time. I walk around, monitor, and answer questions. After most of the groups are done with their first book, I start incorporating literature circles during reading rotations 2-3 times a week. Most groups can handle that level of independence, but those that can't have to sit right by me so I can monitor as I work with my small groups.

There are SO many FREE things for literature circles, but if you want them all in one check out my link below. I've used all of these with my class, so they are kid tested. (Side note: somehow everything in my store is $3 and it's a total accident, but kind of neat too!)

It's so weird to me that the focus between picture and chapter books seems to happen between second and third grade. In second picture books are the norm and totally accepted, then in third they are supposed to make that seamless transition and be instant chapter book readers. But maybe this is just my school culture? I would venture to guess that less than half have the stamina that it takes to read even a short chapter book.

The expectation and reality are very different. But as teachers we are pretty used to that.

Regardless, we work hard on building their stamina all year long. We read independently at least twenty minutes a day with a self-selected text. I also start my week with reading aloud a picture book that is about a third grade level. I use picture books to introduce vocabulary and reading skills. We work with that book for about 3 days and then switch over to book clubs/literature circles for the remainder of the week. It's pretty flexible depending on how difficult the concept we are learning.

Below are some of my favorite books to read in my class. All are non-affiliate links. :)





Island: Story of the Galápagos by Jason Chin
This beautifully illustrated nonfiction story captivated my students. We read this right after we talked about animal adaptations in science and it really brought their learning full circle. It is not only an interesting read, it is packed with good vocabulary! Last year I used this book to teach main idea and details.



Zathura, Two Bad Ants, pretty much anything by Chris VanAllsburg
VanAllsburg writes really captivating stories and then illustrates them beautifully. The vocabulary is top notch and you can teach so many concepts with his books. I used Zathura to review sequencing and Two Bad Ants to teach theme.





The Rough-Face Girl by Rafe Martin
Another beautifully illustrated book with a nice lesson. We compared it with other traditional tales. I always thought this book was reminiscent of Cinderella, but I asked my kids to make connections with other stories and they had some great ideas! One thing I noticed with this book is that the author talks about wigwams but the illustrations show tepees. I used this as a learning opportunity and could hear the kids pointing out the inconsistency while partner reading to their classmates (such good little teachers)! Our favorite vocabulary word from this one? Haughtily. They were dropping that word like it was on fire.




The last one is The First Dog by Jan Brett
Jan Brett is known for her beautiful illustrations and her books for younger readers. This one is good for older readers though. We used this one to practice making predictions. There is a bit of foreshadowing in this one and the story is sweet. Even though we did this one in the very beginning of the year it remained a favorite of theirs.

Thanks for stopping in. I plan to add more to this as time goes on, so check back!