Literature Circle Facilitator Guide
4. Begin the Circle and Include Culture-Based Practices Open with a land acknowledgment or a brief grounding activity, such as a meaningful quote or reflection prompt related to Indigenous knowledge or themes. Infuse the circle with cultural grounding when appropriate: Begin with a moment of silence, poem, quote, song, or land acknowledgment. Include storytelling, reflection journals, or artistic responses. End with a gratitude round or sharing of takeaways. Example Opening Prompt: “How can reading Indigenous stories help us see the world differently?” 5. Center Relational Learning Encourage journaling, art, or other non-linear responses that honor multiple intelligences. Facilitate connection between students, the land, the ancestors, and the text. Native Ways of Knowing circles value: Relationship over debate Process over product Community knowledge over individual performance 6. Conducting the Discussion and Using Reflective Questions Utilize Native Ways of Knowing Book Guides, 6Ps Literary Reflection Questions, and Native Ways of Knowing Discussion Questions. Each participant shares their reflections, insights, or connections to the reading. The facilitator guides dialogue around questions.
Encourage referencing specific passages or quotes to ground discussion in the text. Choose open-ended questions that invite personal connection and cultural awareness: “What stood out to you in this reading? Why?” “How does this story reflect relationships with land, family, or ancestors?” “What does this reading teach us about power, resistance, or survival?” “Did anything challenge your thinking?” “How do you see your own experiences reflected (or not) here?” Integrate culturally responsive reflection questions: "What assumptions did I have before reading this text?" "How does recognizing Native ways of knowing shift my perspective on history and society?" "What commitments or actions can I take based on what I've learned?"
7. Closing the Circle End with a reflective closing circle prompt, inviting participants to share something new they learned, or how their thinking has shifted. Acknowledge the contributions of all participants. Always end with care. Invite one word or sentence from each person: “What are you carrying with you from today’s circle?” Share a closing teaching, song, or poem. Closing Prompt: “What is one new insight you gained today, and how might it impact your actions moving forward?” Additional Tips: Allow silence. Indigenous ways of knowing value reflection and thoughtful listening. Provide access to additional resources (videos, articles, community events) for further learning. Regularly reflect as a facilitator on how well the circle respects and integrates Indigenous perspectives and practices.
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