Using a literature circle method in the classroom

Using a literature circle method in the classroom

I’ve been working as a Spanish and English teacher for more than ten years. The main task I have as a language teacher is to improve my student’sreading, writing, speaking and listening skills and also to get them interested in Literature. Everybody knows that Mexican students from middle schools got the lowest grades in PISA (Program forInternational Student Assessment) evaluations, specifically in Reading Comprehension.
We, the teachers, usually justify our student´s results complaining about the lack of books in the school librariesor sometimes we make parents responsible of this educational problem.
Why do Mexican students don’t read?
First, I want to share my own experience like a student of secondary school. I remember thatmy Spanish teacher of third grade, gave me the title of the book I had to read, of course it was a classic literature book called: “Fuente Ovejuna” by Lope de Vega, I bought it but until now, twentyyears after that, I haven´t read it. I tried to read it, it was difficult and boring so I stopped reading it.
I think, the main reason our students don’t read is because we don’t allow them to choosethe book they want to read. Many teachers follow the old tradition to favor classic writers over the contemporaneous. Classic Literature is harder to comprehend. First, students have to getinterested and enjoy any kind of books, after that, we can give them more difficult books to read.
A good alternative to increase student´s reading motivation are the Literature Circles. According to HarveyDaniels, “Literature circles are small, temporary discussion groups of students who have chosen to read the same work of literature. Each member agrees to take specific responsibilities duringdiscussions sessions. The circles meet regularly, and the discussion roles change at each meeting. When the circle finishes a book, the members decide on a way to showcase their literary work for the rest...