Introduction

What are Literary Circles?

Part of the purpose of English A is to encourage students to be lifelong readers; readers who turn to books as a form of relaxation and enjoyment, and not because it’s their homework!

This unit is an ongoing activity that takes place each fortnight throughout the whole academic year. This current academic year we will use the last 15-20 minutes from our Wednesday lesson, Period 4 each Week 1.

In this period students will get into small groups and share the books they have read, with the intention of persuading others to read the same book. In this way we hope that students will be exposed to books and authors they may otherwise not have encountered, recommended to them by the best source available – their own peers.

How do Literary Circles happen?

Students have already visited the library and chosen books. They should bring in the book(s) they chose (including short stories, non-fiction, etc) and be prepared to share them. Students may already have books at home that they have enjoyed and would like to recommend – they are welcome to use these instead of library books.

Students may share their ideas about these books in a variety of ways. Different methods of presentation are welcomed.

Here are some ideas to help sharing books:

• Give an oral reading, with expression, of selections from the book.
• Dress up as a character from the book and dramatise a scene from it.
• Pretend to be a salesman and “sell” the book.
• Write a business letter to a librarian stating why the book should be purchased.
• Design a book cover, including blurb, and explain it as a design company would to a publisher.

Please consult your teacher if you are not sure whether your idea is suitable.

During the course of the year each student will have the chance to present at least twice.

These presentations are not assessed; this activity is simply to encourage reading among the students.