Though teachers may create as many roles as they please, there are four basic roles to help the students to surface and independently discuss important topics on their own. Kids develop and pursue their own discussion topics. Small, temporary groups are formed, based on book choice. Different groups read different books. Groups meet on a regular, predictable schedule.
Kids use written or drawn notes to guide both their reading and discussion.
Group meetings aim to be open, natural discussions. In newly forming groups, students play a rotating assortment of task roles. The teacher serves as a facilitator. Evaluation is by teacher observation and student self-evaluation. A spirit of playfulness and fun pervades the room.