Since there are many ways that literature circles can be used, they may have different components which depend upon the teacher, grade, class of students, etc. I am including one example of how a literature circle can be implemented, which I found on a website I am noting at the bottom. I have included my ideas in parenthesis, in order to show that this was not among the information found on the website.
1) Choose 3 or 4 books on different levels and obtain multiple copies of each title. You'll need 6-8 copies of each, depending on the class size. (I might choose to have more book choices and smaller groups of 4-5 students, in order to allow for more discussion participation from each member) - (also, depending on how the literature circle comes to an end, you might want to have enough choices of books so that each book is only used by one group - this way if the group shares the book with the class through a project at the end, each book is only presented one time)
2) Present the books to the students and ask them to prioritize the books (you might have them rank the books from 1st choice to 3rd choice - in case there are many students interested in the same book, they will still get a book on their list)
3) Use this information to creat book club groups.
4) Decide on a written response method - anything from bookmarks or sticky notes to response journals.
5) For 3 or 4 days, students read alone, with a partner, or in small groups. As students read, they mark discussion points in their books with sticky notes or write in response journals. (I would only have students reading with a partner if they needed assistance of some kind. I think this might take away from what each individual could bring to the group discussion, since it would allow for a sharing of ideas while reading/marking discussion points.)
6) On book club meeting day, students meet with their reading groups. At that time, they discuss their book and share their written responses with each other.
7) When a group finishes a book, collect journals and written responses. Use that information plus your own observations to assign a grade for that round.
(Although, due to time restraints, it might not be possible for every round of literature circle - there are lots of ways to have students present their book after completing the reading and discussion portions of the assignment. Allowing students to create a piece of art, a play, a poem, a report, incorporate the use of technology through a glogster poster, etc. can be a great way to ensure that students are meeting their needs according to their personal learning style. It can also deepen the understanding of the text to create a project and share it with peers.)
(http://www.lauracandler.com/strategies/litcirclemodels.php)
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