Book Clubs

This week we made our first attempt at Book Clubs (also known as Literature Circles). Book Clubs are something that my last classes have loved and we usually do about 2-3/year in place of reading groups and centers. Usually the kids pick (with my discretion) a chapter book to read. I place them in groups and then they spend the next week or so reading, writing, and discussing their books in groups.
Since this was their first time, we didn't do them traditionally. I wanted them to have practice with the procedures and what I expected. We started by reading a book, Fantastic Mr. Fox, as a whole class so that I could model what they do when someone needs coaching while reading, how to stop to discuss or to record their thinking.
By the 4th day I had the kids read just within their teams to have practice reading, talking, and writing within in a group.
By the way, if you haven't read the book Fantastic Mr. Fox by Roald Dahl (the same author as Matilda, James and the Giant Peach, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory), make sure to ask your child about it. It is hilarious and has such great descriptions of the characters.

Gaby, Addi, and Kalee practice reading during Book Clubs.

Elizabeth, Alex, Mary, and Brendan record their thinking after reading.

Courage, Carson, G.J., and Luke record some questions or connections they made.

Rylie, Hunter, Kellie, and Aaron read the ending to Fantastic Mr. Fox.

Thomas, Dawson, and Lauren

Ally, Parker, Kasi, and Zach