The implementation of Reading Circles in

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• The implementation of Reading Circles in
• St. Bonaventure College
• Professional Development
• 15 May 2009
• St. Bonaventure College and High School
• SKH St. Benedicts School
• EDB Language Learning Support (Anne Chan)

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• Why use Reading Circles?
• Second language learning
• Reading the same story
• Combine the skills of reading, writing, speaking
  and listening
• Motivate students to acquire the habit of reading
  (extensive reading)
• Help students to work autonomously

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Essential elements

• A comprehensible story
• An interesting story
• A framework built up for real discussion
• An achievable goal for students

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Expected outcomes(S1 students)

• Students are engaged by the story
• Students are willing to write carefully in order
  to be prepared for their group discussion
• Students are willing to speak in English
• Students are able to refer to the original text
  to support their arguments
• Students can ask questions to clarify the text

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What are Reading Circles?

• Reading Circles are small groups of students
  who meet in the classroom to talk about stories.
  These groups allow language learners to have
  enjoyable, interesting discussions in English.
  In a Reading Circle, each student plays a
  different role in the discussion.
• (Mark Furr 2006)

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Literature

• Daniels, H. (2002). Literature Circles Voice
  and Choice in Book Clubs and Reading Groups.
  Second edition. Portland, Marine Stenhouse.
• Furr M. (2006). Bookworms Club Reading Circles
  Teachers Handbook. Oxford University Press
• Goudvis, A. Harvey, S. (2005). The
  Comprehension Toolkit Language and Lessons for
  Active Literacy. Firsthand Publications.
• Harvey, S. Harvey, D. (2009). Comprehension
  and Collaboration Inquiry Circles in Action.
  Heinemann
• Lin, Chia-Hui. (2004). Literature circles.
  Teacher Librarian, 31 (3), 23-25.
• Waring, R. Takahashi, S. (2000). The Why and
  How of Using Graded Readers. Tokyo Oxford.

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Getting started in St. Bonaventure (Planning,
Implementation, Evaluation)

• Context and school background
• Learners needs and diversity
• Teachers readiness
• Selecting reading materials
• Forming the groups
• Schedule for discussion
• Evaluation plan

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Roles
Discussion Leader
Summarizer
Connector
Word Master
Passage Person
Culture Collector
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Roles in St. Bonaventures Reading Circles
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The role of teachers

• Bibi
• Fanny
• Carol
• Gordon
• Cynthia

and
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Reading Circles in actionVideo clips