8. reading circles workshop

Bookworms Club Stories for Reading CirclesWorkshop

Ricardo Benavides ScottSenior Educational ConsultantOxford University Press

What are Reading Circles?

• Small groups of students who meet in the classroom to talk about stories

• Each student plays a role in the discussion

Oxford University Press

What are Reading Circles?

• Usually six Roles:Discussion Leader SummarizerConnector Word MasterPassage Person Culture Collector


The Reading Circle

Discussion Leader

Passage Person

Culture Collector

Summarizer

ConnectorWord Master


Why run Reading Circles?Why run Reading Circles?

• Reading Circles allow students to have enjoyable, interesting discussions in English

• To quote the Editor, Mark Furr:“Stories capture the interest of students in ways that other materials simply do not […]”Reading Circles are a magic formula for natural, enjoyable discussions in English!


What are Bookworms ClubStories for Reading Circles?

Eight students’ books:collections of short stories at Stages 1 to 6


Seven stories, each with:

* story introduction

* About the author

* activities that help students prepare to take part in the discussion

What are Bookworms ClubStories for Reading Circles?

… & a Teacher’s Handbook, which provides:

• step-by-step instructions• & everything you need to run

successful Reading Circles …• http://elt.oup.com/teachers/reading

circles


http://elt.oup.com/teachers/readingcircles

http://elt.oup.com/teachers/readingcircles

• Step-by-step instructions• Role Sheets (photocopiable)• Role Sheet examples• Reading Circles Schedule chart• Expansion Activities• Role Badges …


The Teacher’s Handbook/Website provides:

The Six Roles & The Six Roles & Role Sheets …Role Sheets …


For today’s workshop you will be taking part in a Reading Circle, so you need to understand the 6 roles.

These really are the magic at heart of RC: guide learners through their reading, & help prep for discussions in English

There are no correct views or answers, it’s all about having the discussion.

The Six Roles & Role The Six Roles & Role Sheets …Sheets …










Bookworms Club - Reading Circles

Workshop

• Groups of 4Agree on your roles (Discussion Leader, Summarizer, Connector, Word Master, Passage Person, Culture Collector)

2 minutes



Workshop

Read story: Gold, ‘The Secret’, pages 73-9


15 minutes















Workshop

• Prepare your Role (refer to story text & complete Role Sheet)

But please don’t begin that review / discussion now!

15 minutes



Workshop

• Reading Circles Discussion

25 minutes(We would usually allow up to 40 mins. for the Discussion)



Workshop

Workshop discussion: review your experience of RC - what did you find out?In your groups, discuss what benefits you feel Reading Circles offer, & how you might use them / why

10 minutes



Workshop

Conclusions – Benefits

Q & A
