- It's imperative that everyone be prepared for the discussion period. This includes making sure that you've read the required selection from the novel, AND having your role prepared. There were a couple of groups who had students who had not prepared their role. It's impossible to have a proper discussion if everyone doesn't have their role prepared or the novel read.
- If you're going to be absent and you know ahead of time, it's important to send your notes to someone else in your group. There were a few people away on a field trip and only ONE student planned ahead and emailed their role to a group member.
- You must sustain your discussion for at least 40 minutes. It is the discussion director's role to lead the discussion for the period. Remember that part of the success criteria we came up with in class is to have "extra" or "back-up" questions to use if the discussion lulls. They can be as simple as, who is your favourite character? why? What was your favourite part of the book so far? Why?
- The ultimate reminder is that the onus for the success of these literature circles is on you, the students. If you don't prepare or read, the discussion will be a flop. There is no doubt about it.
Take what you learned from the first discussion and apply it to the next one (which is on MONDAY, fyi!) The goal is to get better and have great discussions with your group members.
This is also a reminder to visit the Book Club weebly and participate in the discussion tasks that PHS has also been assigned. These discussions will further enhance your understanding of the novel.