Book Groups
Topics
What is a book group? How does a book group work? Book group jobs and responsibilities
What are Book
Groups?
• Book groups are small reading groups. Each group consists of 3 - 5 students. • Each group gets to choose its own book to read.
Books can be chosen from the Book List posted online.
Each group reads at its own pace.
Once a week, groups get together to talk about what they’re reading.
How Does the Book
Work?
Group
How does the book group work? • Every week, each group gives itself a reading assignment. • In preparation for each week’s Book Group meeting, students read their assigned pages and complete one of five book group jobs.
Book Group
Jobs
Discussion
Director The discussion director is the book group manager.
Discussion Director • Starts the book group and decides when the group should share their job. • Asks high level questions • Keeps the discussion on task • Makes sure the discussion is happening mostly in English • Keeps the discussion moving.
Summarizer
The summarizer gives the main ideas and necessary details of the reading.
Summarizer • Gives the summary of the section of book for that week. • Asks the group to help make sure the summary is complete. • Asks questions about the main ideas of the reading.
Literary
Luminary The literary luminary chooses interesting, powerful, puzzling, or important sections of the reading.
Literary Luminary • Select quotes or passages. Write down the page # and paragraph #. • Read or ask the group to read the quote. • Explain why you chose the quote. • Ask questions about the quote’s meaning or importance to the story.
Connector
The connector connects the book to their own life experience.
Connector • Shares the connections between the book and your life. • Asks the group if they have any connections to the book.
Researcher
The researcher connects the themes in the book to real world issues.
Researcher • Thinks big! • Finds information or material that helps the group understand the book better. • Looks for information that connects the book to the real word.
Some example research topics: Setting: time period, geography, weather, culture, or history of the book’s setting. Information: any topics, themes, or events represented in the book Author: any topics or events that may have influenced the author, Pictures, objects, or materials that illustrate elements of the book
Book Group
Meetings
Book Group Meetings • Students find a spot in the classroom to meet. • They bring their books and completed job sheets. • Students talk about what they read, and they share their information. • During meetings, it’s everyone’s job to talk!