Literature Circles with Multilingual Learners

Walk into a middle school classroom during a lively literature circle and you’ll hear questions, laughter, debate, and—most important—learners speaking with confidence. For multilingual learners (MLLs), that buzz is more than background noise; it’s proof that language, thinking, and identity are growing together.

Yet many educators still see hesitant readers, polite head-nods, and the lone voice that carries every discussion. How do we move from teacher-led talk to learner-powered exploration?

Our upcoming webinar will dig deep, but here’s a quick look at why literature circles – or even better, Reflective Dialogue Circles – are a natural fit for MLLs and three starter moves you can try this week. Let us know how they went during the webinar.

Why Reflective Dialogue Circles Work for Multilingual Learners

1. Authentic Academic Discourse
   Reflective Dialogue Circles create open dialogue where learners explore different perspectives and build on one another's ideas to develop deeper understanding. For MLLs, this purposeful conversation structure provides the "comprehensible input" essential for language acquisition—learners engage in meaningful academic discourse rather than contrived language practice.
2. Multilevel Access Through Differentiated Support
   The Connections Literature framework already provides leveled text access through glossed vocabulary, audio support, and visual aids. Reflective Dialogue Circles leverage these built-in scaffolds while allowing for additional differentiation. As noted in the Emergent Bilingual Resource, "multiple reads" and "breaking apart the text" support comprehension, while circles can accommodate different entry points—some learners may need to preview with visuals, others may benefit from hearing the audio first, and advanced learners can tackle additional complexity.
3. Cultural and Linguistic Asset Building
   Culturally and linguistically diverse learners bring to school a lived experience that should be valued, not overcome. In Reflective Dialogue Circles, MLLs’ cultural perspectives become windows and sliding glass doors for their peers, while their primary languages serve as cognitive resources—supporting both comprehension and cultural validation.
   
4.  Agency Through Structured Choice
   Reflective Dialogue Circles embody learner-centered instruction where learners do not debate but rather explore different perspectives. The structure provides psychological safety through clear expectations while offering choice in focus questions or text connections. This aligns with sheltered instruction principles that emphasize both content and language objectives while honoring learners' developing autonomy in academic settings.

Three Starter Moves

1. Role Remix
   Replace the traditional role of “Discussion Director” with roles like Connector (who links text to learner experiences) and Culture Keeper (who tracks cultural examples and references). This helps honor learners’ lived experiences and validates diverse perspectives.
2. Language Ladders
   Post sentence frames: “I’m wondering if…,” “In my culture we see this as…” to give MLLs a safety net without scripting their thinking.
3. Visual Quote Pull
   Have learners sketch or storyboard one powerful line before talking. This pulls in artists and supports learners who think in images first.
   
   

Want to know more? Register for our webinar! 

During the live session, we will:

• Address some common roadblocks you may encounter and provide simple detours to support all learners as full participants
• Model a mini reflective dialogue circle using a Connections: Literature poetry selection
• Unpack protocols that merge language objectives with ELA standards
• Tackle your questions in real time (bring your toughest challenges!)

Plus, you’ll have a chance to win an e-copy of my newly released book, The Culturally Competent Educator! It’s filled with strategies and supports you can use as an educator of multilingual learners.

Even if you can’t make the live session, sign up, and be the first to receive a link to the recorded workshop.

Your Voice Matters, Too

When multilingual learners speak, they take ownership of English and of the ideas that shape their world. Reflective Dialogue Circles give them that chance—if we build the structure and then step back.

Ready to empower every learner in your ELA classroom? Reserve your spot now and join us to unlock practical strategies that help all educators elevate every learner’s voice. Let’s turn the pages together!

➡️ Register now for “Empowering Learner Voice: Literature Circles with Multilingual Learners.”

See you (and hear you) soon!

Almitra L. Berry, Ed.D. serves as the content expert for multilingual development in Perfection Learning's Connections: Literature program for middle school and as an educational consultant for the program, contributing expertise on culturally and linguistically diverse learners. Follow her on BlueSky @almitraberry for ongoing insights.