On sign up day the teachers give short book talks to introduce the students to the up-coming literature group selections. The teachers make up the literature groups according to the students' choices. We study a variety of genres throughout the year. The make-up of the groups change with each new series of books. The literature groups meet for two forty-five minute sessions each week.
Groups meet for four weeks, for a total of eight sessions.
During the sessions the groups work on listening and speaking goals, as well as on a variety of literacy activities. Finally, the group works together to plan a culminating project to share with the other literature groups. Evaluation of Literature Groups Leaders evaluate reading and listening comprehension, as well as use of reading and writing strategies, during literature group activities. During discussions the leaders also observe the quality and frequency of students' participation. Collaboration and cooperation in the group are also noted.