Today was a very exciting class for us! We met at the library at Tibbetts at 1:00pm to mmet and discuss important ideas and information about Literature circles. We met  Kirstine Emerson, the librarian who has oh so graciously allowed us to met in the library before and after meeting with Ms. Finch's class. We watched a very interesting video- Looking into Literature Circles, which we then discussed the meat of the video. We decided that it is best to allow the students to self-direct the direction of their literary circles, encourage them to grow as readers, writers and people by connecting to the literature in a personal, meaningful way. 

     We also decided that journaling helps this process along as well as discussion starters. We learned about the importance of roles in literatue circles and once used and understood, then leaving them behind. As readers, we will encompass the roles and bring a little bit of each to every meeting. After we gained this wisdom we all set off for our own literature circles to apply our new found knowledge.

     We then met as a whole in the library after our circles. Devin graced us with his in depth knowledge of his genre, Manga. This is a Japanese form of graphic novels. Devin showed alot of enthusiasm, as he is very familiar with the material and was pleased to enlighten those of us who were in the dark ages. I strongly recomend that every one read this genre. It is very interesting and has genre's of it own. I'm sure Devin would be glad to answer questions if you have any. Class ended on a funny note as we reviewed the Plus / Delta chart of Ms. Finch's class of our first visit. The chart allowed us to see what changes we could make and which issues were already addressed.

 

     I strongly reccomend that you all make it to class in time if you do not feel as though you are a strong impromptu storyteller. We were very pleased to hear of Ami's adventure to Panama and Devin's jaunt to Willie Wonka's Chocolate Factory. I hope Ami is able to heal from her eye injury of salt water and high flying planes and the next time Devin makes it to Willie's factory he shares some chocolate with us!  It will be hard for these stories to be followed, as Ami's and Devin's  talent for telling details and exciting happenings was AMAZING!!!  

 

 

 

     Today was another beautiful day for reading! We all gathered in the library before meeting with the literature circles. We discussed the highlights of the Story Telling Festival and from all accounts told it was wonderful! We then met with Jana Wallace for an evaluation of the course. After that we met with our circles for book talks, questions and a wonderful time sharing our thoughts. After our circles we were kindly graced with having the pleasure to meet Connie Gotsch. She is an author and has a new book hitting shelve's shortly, Belle's Star. Connie is also a host on San Juan College's radio station. She was kind enough to tell us about her book, the process she endured to make it a reality and gave an overview of the life of an author. We were pleased to have her come speak to us and give her a million thanks!