Entry 1 - Literature Circles

As an elementary school student, I was very shy and timid. I never raised my hand or spoke unless called upon. I believe this delayed my social skills and educational development. I remember my parents having birthday parties at our house and all the kids from school coming over. I was much more at ease in my element, running, playing, and socializing with the other kids. My classmates would comment that I was a totally different person. I was much more outspoken when in my comfort zone. As I grew older I became involved in sports, which became where I felt most comfortable and developed communication skills, team work, and leadership qualities. In the first literature circle, I had the role of discussion director. This was very intimidating for me, but it forced me out of my comfort zone. Speech classes, or anything involving solo presentations, have always been a challenge for me. I believe literature circles are an excellent way to get students like me to push through their boundaries while developing skills that can enhance learning in later grades, college, and out in the work force.