Literature Circle Facilitator Guide
Purpose A Native Ways of Knowing Literature Circle encourages respectful dialogue, active listening, personal reflection, and deeper understanding of Indigenous perspectives, stories, and ways of knowing. This structure helps to ensure that your literature circles not only educate but also empower participants toward deeper understanding and respectful engagement with Native ways of knowing. Consider using this culturally respectful guide to conduct Native Ways of Knowing Literature Circles. This guide provides a discussion format that honors Indigenous perspectives, supports relationship-building, and centers collective understanding. 1. Set the Intentions Start by co-creating intentions for how the circle will feel and function. Utilize Native Ways of Knowing Talking Circle Facilitator Guide. These may include: Respect: Listen carefully and respectfully to each speaker. Respect that there are many ways of knowing. Reflect: Allow pauses for thoughtful reflection after each contribution. Honor silence as part of communication. Support: Create a safe environment for personal sharing. Listen deeply and with your whole self and allow others to share. Presence: Speak from personal perspectives rather than generalizations. Speak from your own experience. Equity: Everyone participates equally—no one voice should dominate. Make space, take space (balance voices). Opening prompt: “What do we need from each other to feel heard and respected in this space?” 2. Choose Meaningful Texts Select readings by Indigenous authors that reflect lived experience, oral tradition, community values, or cultural revitalization. Form small groups (4-6 participants). Provide each group with the selected reading and assign chapters or segments. Use books like: An Indigenous Peoples’ History of the United States for Young People We Are the Land
Fiction or poetry by authors like Cynthia Leitich Smith, Joy Harjo, or Louise Erdrich Tip: Use excerpts, short stories, or poems when time or reading level is a concern. 3. Create Shared Leadership and Circle Structure Use a talking piece or go in a circle so each person has a turn. Roles rotate and may include:
Circle Keeper – opens/closes the space and sets the tone Reader/Timekeeper – guides the group through the text Reflection Leader – poses the main questions for that day East: Connector - facilitates initial connections discussion South: Reflector - facilitates emotional/community connections discussion West: Analyzer - facilitates theme/symbolism discussion
North: Wisdom Keeper - facilitates big-picture insights discussion Facilitator - guides the conversation, keeps the group focused. Text Connector - highlights key passages or quotes. Reflector - shares personal reflections or emotional responses. Cultural Connector - draws connections to Indigenous perspectives, values, or contemporary issues.
Questioner - asks thoughtful, open-ended questions to deepen discussion. Recorder - takes brief notes on important insights or questions raised. Important Tip: Everyone is both a learner and a teacher in this space.
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