Tech Enhanced Literature Circle: With My Population

           When I was a senior in high school, I participated in a literature circle various times throughout the year. In a group of about 5 or 6 classmates, we were each assigned roles and it was really neat to see how we all depended on each other. Because of that group interdependence, we were motivated to do our parts. I think of that class from 11 years ago when we did not use computers as often as we do now, so our literature circles were not technology based. However, the overall outcome was that of success through cooperative group dynamics. Our teacher facilitated that success.

I am currently part of a book chat with the career education curriculum team at my school. We are reading Career Readiness for Teens by Chad Foster and at our monthly meetings we discuss the connections of the theme of the book compared to our schools’ programs and their connections to the Common Core State Standards. We are each expected to write our thoughts and reflections down before the meetings and in doing so we are prepared to discuss the material.

When it comes to using a technology enhanced literature circle with my population, I would have to be very creative because I am a pre-K teacher of students who are Deaf/HH and Blind/VI. Working in early childhood education, I need to facilitate and guide much of my students’ progress while leading them to independence. So as for tech enhanced literature circles in pre-K, I feel like I’d guide the students with their individual roles, then facilitate the circle’s meeting, thus being the group’s Discussion Coordinator. I’d assign separate roles to students based on the strengths of each student and help them with their jobs. Most of the technological aspects would occur using a classroom computer, SmartBoard, or iPad.  When each of their jobs is complete, I’d gather the group and have them share their work.

Overall, I feel that literature circles help to encourages reciprocal learning, interdependence, and helps others to see different perspectives of a given piece of literature. I have participated in literature circles and book chats and have found the benefits to be valuable for every group member. I’ll have to think of a book to use with my students and attempt facilitating a literature circle in my own class. I’m excited to try this activity.