LITERATURE CIRCLES + FRAMES= HANDS-ON SCHOLARSHIP THE DEPTH, COMPLEXITY, AND CONTENT IMPERATIVES OF LITERATURE CIRCLES: THE NEW HORIZON OF INVESTIGATION, SCHOLARSHIP, & SOPHISTICATION

“Recognizing that reading and writing are social acts challenges us to reevaluate the social contexts of our classrooms. Too often competition and individualism in schools precludes students ’ interactions. Literature circles, however, encourage cooperation and respect for diverse interpretations. Students learn classmates ’ strengths and children become valuable resources for each other.” Sarah Owens. “Treasures in the Attic: Building the Foundation for Literature Circles.” [Emphases mine] “If reading is about mind journeys, teaching reading is about outfitting the travelers, modeling how to use the map, demonstrating how to use the key and legend…until, ultimately, it’s the child and the map together and they are off on their own.