Melissa’s Approach: all!
Students truly can (and should) experience all of it…choice reading, whole-class reading, and everything in between. Each type of reading experience helps students grow as readers. In this post, read about how teachers can provide balance by scaffolding challenging whole-class novels and using choice to grow students’ reading skills.
Lauralee’s Approach: both!
Both independent or choice reading and classroom novels belong in an ELA classroom. Students should choose what they read and build themselves as life-long learners. Student should also read with others and discuss their ideas with a group. See how Lauralee manages both reading opportunities.
On YouTube
Prefer to listen? Here is our recent YouTube video where we discuss different ideas for teaching vocabulary and creating lists.
Heather
June 23, 2019 at 6:25 pm
What is the difference between lit circles and book club?
Lauralee Moss
June 24, 2019 at 2:04 pm
Hi Heather!
Thanks for your question. The difference depends somewhat on how you use book clubs. I use books clubs a little more nontraditionally than most. You can read about my approach here.
Otherwise, with traditional book clubs, the main difference is that literature circles tend to have structured roles for each student, whereas book clubs tend to have a more laid-back, open discussion format. Does that make sense?
Melissa
Reading and Writing Haven