Book Club｜Literature Circle Templates｜Print ｜Digital｜EAL Differentiation

Description

Literature circles and book clubs sorted…forever! Suitable for distance learning. Distribute to students using email, Google Classroom or any other VLE. Students complete the PDF using the free Kami app. Once students have completed their graphic organisers, they can have a group discussion. This can be ‘live’ through a video call (recorded or with you present) or asynchronous through a tool such as Parlay or Flipgrid.

You want your students to have meaningful discussions around books but you are wondering what’s the best way to achieve that. You like the idea of literature circles, but worry that with different roles, students only get to practice 1 set of skills once. On top of that, you’re wondering how you can best serve your EAL students without feeling overwhelmed or having to reinvent the wheel. Here is your solution – download these literature circle and book club templates once; use them forever.

CONTENTS

In this jam-packed resource, you will find:

• teacher notes for grouping students and introducing the template to all learners through a simple short tale;
• 2 short stories for demonstrating or practicing how to complete the templates;
• notes on peer assessment with 2 links to digital* and paper-based options;
• tips for (even newly-arrived) EAL / ESL students to be successful in their reading;
• a photocopiable discussion preparation template for students who are proficient in English;
• a photocopiable discussion preparation template for students with English as an Additional Language (or ESL) who need more accessible preparation tasks;
• completed versions of the 2 templates to use as models;
• student guidance sheet for ESL on how to complete the template;
• student team manager ‘Step by Step’ notes for guiding teammates through the discussions;
• a link to make your own copy of a Google Form* where students provide feedback on their teammates’ preparation and contribution to the discussion;
• a discussion mat to encourage student participation and guide responses toward higher levels of thinking
• text selection slips for students to choose what they’d like to read (digital* and paper versions provided)

For digital options, a Google account is required. Get a free Google account here. If you haven’t got one already, it will change your life!

These differentiated book club or literature circle templates can be used to promote rich and deep discussion for any book, play or poetry. My mixed-ability class – including EAL / ESL students – told me they enjoyed completing the varied activities, and it clearly lead to rich and deep discussions for all. These templates allowed my students to be successful, regardless of their language level. A colleague in another school also used the templates with his students, with resounding success. After several rounds, I have revised and refined the templates based on my observations and students’ feedback. They are solid. All you need to do is print and go!

Need support with this or any other tech tools? I’m here for you, as a Google Certified Educator and with significant online teaching experience. You do NOT need to make a purchase to access my support. I will do all I can to support your journey through distance teaching.