VC students take part in literature circles

Students at Washington Elementary School in Valley City, N.D., are spending more time reading, thanks to a program led by instructors at Valley City State University.

Last year, VCSU education professors Amy Anderson and Joan Aus wanted to provide academic enrichment in literacy for Washington Elementary. The professors work frequently with the staff and students at Washington due to the student teaching practicums and other programs, so the two know the school and its students well.

After putting their heads together and brainstorming, Anderson and Aus decided to try “literature circles,” small groups of students gathered together to discuss a particular book, as a fun and creative way to promote reading. Principal Wayne Denault, approved the program, and it was put in place.

In its first year, literature circles were available for fourth-, fifthand sixth-graders. The classroom teachers and VCSU faculty worked together to choose six children’s books for the program, and VCSU’s chapter of the Student North Dakota Education Association purchased the books for the children. More than 30 Washington students participated in six literature circles led by VCSU pre-service teachers and faculty. At the end of the eight week session, everyone agreed that it had been a wonderfully enlightening experience.

This year, interest in the literature circles has grown to more than 40 students, and this time, seven pre-service teachers from VCSU volunteered to lead seven groups of fifth and sixth graders in literature circles. The books that are being read in the literature circles are “Listen” by Stephanie Tolan and “Billy Creekmore” by Tracey Porter.

Tags: valley city, community, education, literature, students