Lit Circles

Getting students to read on their own and being interested in it, I find, is a challenge.  I love doing Lit Circles. Early on in the year I assess where each student is at and put them in groups that are appropriate for their level.  I allow the students in the group to choose a book that I have final approval over for them to read.  The students have different roles while reading in the groups.  All students are actively engaged and know that I am roaming around and can pop in at any time into their circle.
 
Once students got the hang of the roles, they were asking to do Lit Circles more.  Empowering the students to take charge of their learning and reading was amazing and they continuously pushed each other.