Reflective Entry #5

I think it is a benefit to have literary circles. It gives the chance for the students to interact without worring about giving the wrong answers. Since we were working together as a group, the students were working together and giving suggestions to each other.

The students seemed to enjoy the project. I think they were releived that we did a literature circle instead of a normal test. They were open about their family traditions, and we learned as much about each other as we did from the story.

The students liked the story. Since our school has only white and Hispanic children, it gave them the chance to learn about other cultures. They were asking questions about the children in the story, especially Sanu. The Hispanic students are not familiar with Africian American families, and they asked many questions concerning their culture.

I think literature circles are good for ESL students because it is safe. They could share answers and experiences. It was a way that they could relax and enjoy learning without worring about missing an answer. The students were able to bond through similiar experiences, yet appreciate differences.

If I were to repeat this lesson, I would bring pictures of my family celebrating American customs such as Thanksgiving and the Fourth of July. I would also allow them to bring pictures of their families so we could compare different family traditions.

I would suggest that other ESL professionals implement literary circles. It is a great way for the students learn to work as a team and learn more about each other as individuals.

Two excellent sites for implementing literature circles are as follows:

http://www.readwritethink.org/lessons/lesson_view.asp?id=19
http://www.litcircles.org/