5th Grade Literature Circle / Book Club Grading Rubric and Observation Notes
Active Observation of the Book Group
Fifth graders participating in a book group have first been introduced to this process of discussing literature. It’s a meticulous process of modeling and stressing expectations for how these groups will function. It is ongoing, as children always need reminders of the various elements of good book groups.
During the discussion parts of the literature groups, teachers should walk around and eavesdrop on each group, sometimes offering insight and suggestions, and sometimes simply taking notes as to the observations being made. All of this goes to the formal observation at the end of the book group.
This formal assessment is based on observations and review of student journals. It includes observation of their listening and participation in the group, as well as their preparedness for literature groups based on what they have done with reading journals.
Below is the rubric that can be used to assess the children at the conclusion of a literature unit.
Grading Rubric
Name_____________________________
Date______________________________
Book title____________________________________
Works cooperatively with the group (10) _______
Is prepared for discussion group (20) _______
Uses active listening (20) _______
Stays on task during discussion (20) _______
Maintains daily journals (20) _______
Completes Book review form (10) _______
Total Score (100) _______
Book Review Form and Self-Assessment
The last item in the grading rubric refers to a “book review form” This refers to a review the children will complete of the book at the end of the literature unit. On this form, students should state:
- What the book is about with regards to the basic story elements
- What their favorite parts of the story were
- Give the book an overall rating on a scale of 1-10 as to whether they would recommend it to another reader or not, and why.
Prior to doing my assessment at the end of the book group, I provide each child a copy of the rubric form and have them evaluate themselves.
In the end, it’s interesting to see how the teacher and student assessment results align.
This post is part of the series: Using Book Groups (or Literature Circles) to Teach Reading
Utilizing book groups, sometimes referred to as literature circles, is a great way to teach reading in the elementary schools. It also helps develop an ongoing love of reading to older elementary students in the fourth and fifth grades.