Hello all--
Since I promised to post these things about a year ago, I suppose I will share them now. I'm linking to the files in Box.net, which I've set to "open" for those who have the link. Please let me know if that doesn't work. Not all of it is perfect, and much of it is specific to my classes, but you get the idea. I can also recommend a few books that I use for ideas:
http://www.literaturecircles.com/
Harvey Daniels; Literature Circles. I don't own the original book, but read it once. I do own "Minilessons for Literature Circles," which has some great ideas, all easily adapted for an adult classroom.
Nancy Atwell: In the Middle http://www.heinemann.com/products/0374.aspx
She uses book clubs in her middle school classrooms, and describes her methods in this book. I also use some of her ideas for giving voice to students in general. If this book existed specifically for teaching developmental and first-year college composition, it would be my Bible. Perhaps she (or I?) will write said book in about 20 years.
The "book ballot" is what I use to get their votes on which books they'd like to read. I try to give the first or second choice.
https://www.box.com/s/11599f9e34438717b395
The book checkout form is just for the legalese side of using the school's books if they're like mine and not really library books.
https://www.box.com/s/d7027e484aa97e1d7f97
The final reflection questions are one way I assess the depth of understanding/reading at the end of the clubs, but the responses to these are always fascinating.
https://www.box.com/s/9ad830ce03ad18336446
"The Envelope, Please" is adapted from a lesson by Harvey Daniels. I use it after they've read 50 pages or so to practice prediction.
https://www.box.com/s/449813294738e1af1ef4
"Ground Rules" is what I use to help them decide on the guiding policies for their groups. I encourage them to think about things like reading ahead, showing up, etc. It seems to help and at least starts a conversation about what a good group is (and isn't).
https://www.box.com/s/5fde189b1e68e6c877a7
"Reflections" is an example of a set of questions I assign before they leave class after a book club. I assess them via the honor system. If they admit to not reading, they earn fewer points, but still earn a few for participation if they're present. I try hard to strike the right balance between intrinsic and extrinsic motivation for reading. Most of them respond well to the nudge of remembering their peers are counting on them to have read, and the nudge of earning points for the class helps the rest.
https://www.box.com/s/5fde189b1e68e6c877a7
"Meeting Tasks" is a sample of a list of tasks I hand out. I usually only do this for the first few meetings, and then ask the groups to take charge of their own meetings. I sometimes write brief to-do's up on the board to keep them focused, but most of the time this isn't necessary. Engaging books make all the difference. I've noticed my groups that read "Beautiful Boy," "Into the Wild," and "Absolutely True Diary" have been the most engaged, but it depends on the group.
https://www.box.com/s/41bd409d393b4b5a2b89
I hope this helps. I hate that I am not doing book clubs this summer, but there's just no time. I am offering extra credit to anyone who joins a book club or similar discussion group at their local library, church, coffee shop, etc.
Comments/suggestions welcome. I change this a bit every time, but these are the skeleton pieces I use to run them. I highly recommend the original Lit Circles book, if only for a skim. I'd be surprised if the BSU library didn't have it.
