Literature Study Circles

Last year at David Cameron School we began to use an instructional process called "Literature Study Circles".  This is a way of engaging students in reading a wide variety of books in order to respond and comprehend what they have read.  The key to engagement is that students can choose books that they are interested in and then read at their own pace.  Students then meet up with others reading the same book to discuss their thoughts.

Last year we had a number of classes involved in this cross-grade process that has students from different classes joining together in conversation about the books that they have read.  While most of the work was done at the grade five and six level, we had staff try it out in other grades as well, including grade one and two.  The strategy teaches students to "say something" about what they have read or about connections, questions, or comments other members of their group have made.

Our experience last year was incredible as we sought to help students develop into more sophisticated readers.  The depth of understanding and comprehension that students were able to demonstrate was impressive.  As a result of these positive outcomes, our school is continuing to work on this as a means for student learning and staff collaboration.  Our vice-principal, Ms. Jarvis, has done an incredible job taking on the leadership of this with staff and in gaining outside funding support through the Raise-a-Reader fund.

Our students are fortunate to have such a forward thinking and engaging process to be a part of.  We are excited about extending this program into more classes this year and having more students and staff involved.