Name:________________________________________ Period:___
WISDOM Circles
Keep this handout in the English section of your binder.
WISDOM Circles are small-group discussions in which you excavate literature for deeper meaning. Prepare
for your discussion by carefully reading the assigned text then completing the handout that corresponds to
your role.
DIRECTIONS:
1. Before reading the assigned pages in your text: On the top half of your weekly WISDOM Circle
handout, answer the Reader’s Reflection question in thoughtful, descriptive, well-organized paragraphs. If the
prompt asks you to tell a story, make sure you tell the whole story. In other words, include exposition, a
conflict, rising actions, a climax, and a resolution. Please do not repeat the writing prompt in your story.
2. After reading the assigned pages in your text: On the bottom half of your weekly WISDOM Circle
handout, complete your assigned role as defined below:
Word Wizard Identify and define at least three (3) key vocabulary words.
1. Copy each word, its page number, and the sentence in which it’s used.
2. Explain how the context reveals what each word means. You may refer to word parts or specific
context clues. In other words, how do the surrounding sentences hint at the word’s meaning?
Idea Illuminator Find at least two (2) significant quotations that demonstrate themes in the book.
1. Copy each significant quotation and its page number into your handout.
2. Write a short paragraph explaining the thematic significance of each quotation.
Story Specialist Summarize the assigned reading and draw attention to elements of the plot.
1. Write a short objective summary (about 100 words) that includes all of the most important plot
points and omits unimportant details.
2. Identify any structural elements of the plot that exist in the assigned reading (like exposition,
conflicts, rising actions, climaxes, resolutions, subplots, etc.).
Device Detector Identify three (3) literary devices, such as figurative language (like metaphors, similes,
idioms, analogies, personification, and/or hyperbole), symbolism, irony, allusions, and so on.
1. Copy each literary device, its surrounding sentence, and its page number into the handout.
2. Write a sentence or two analyzing the meaning of each literary device.
Olden Days Observer Explain the historical context of the story, especially as demonstrated by its
setting, characters, and vocabulary.
1. Write down three (3) passages that reveal the time or customs of the story’s historical setting.
2. Explain the significance of each passage in your own words.
Mystery Guest This role will require a different activity for each session. You should complete the
mystery activity in thoughtful, complete, well-written paragraphs.
Scoring Guide: Each role is worth ten (10) points.
10 pts. = deeply thoughtful, very well-written, colorful, refined, and very thorough
9 pts. = very thoughtful, very neat, well-written, colorful, and complete
8 pts. = thoughtful, neat, well-written
7-0 pts. = anything less. The group is counting on you!
Standards: RL8.1-8.4, 8.6, 8.10; W8.3, 8.4; SL8.1
John Slavin • English 8 • Paul Revere MS