Literature Circle - Haugland (5th-6th)

Grades: 5-6

Course Description: Literature Circle is an engaging class designed for a 5th-6th reader. I aim to foster a love for engaging wholesome literature that addresses character, compassion, and perseverance through many of life’s circumstances. Students are expected to talk and to debate their ideas. The students are invited to bring their experiences and feelings into the classroom and to share them.  

After homeschooling and teaching in the classroom for over 24 years, I have encountered some of the most wonderful pieces of literature that have been inspirational and pivotal in the lives of countless students. I have carefully and thoughtfully selected some of the most inspiring children’s novels for your student to grow in their character, compassion for others, and in knowledge. 

Many of this year’s titles are historical fiction because I wholeheartedly believe that it is a powerful source of learning because it allows us to see the world around us, both where it has been and where it is going. Historical fiction makes History matter, offers food for thought, and brings dates, people, and facts to life. This genre also brings to light multiple perspectives through the richness of the development of its characters. We will also be completing one biography this year and a few fantasy novels to round out our journey through some of the most interesting lives and struggles to persevere in seemingly insurmountable odds.  

I believe that discussing events and characters in the books, the author's craft, key comprehension strategies, and/or personal experiences related to the story help to make Literature Circle a unique class. In this class students will explore literary elements and find ways to dive into the novels. ALL WHILE HAVING FUN!  

Each week, reading will be assigned for homework, as well as approximately two assignments to be completed at home. A typical week will cover a few chapters in our current novel, a journal or “Think About It” style question to answer, and some new vocabulary or extension lesson on a specific literary device used by the author. 

Novels will most likely include the following: 

The Twenty-One Balloons (William Waterman Sherman), Black Ships Before Troy (Rosemary Sutcliff), The Sword in the Tree (Clyde Robert Bulla), Mrs. Frisby and the Rats of NIMH (Robert O’Brien), Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry (Mildred Taylor), Helen Keller (Margaret Davidson), and the The Winged Watchman (Hilda Van Stockum).