Connecticut Foundations of Reading Test (FORT) Practice

Which approach emphasizes verbal interactions between students about the text they read?

1. Individual reading sessions

2. Readers Theater

3. Literature Circles

4. Shared Reading

The correct answer is: Literature Circles

The approach that emphasizes verbal interactions between students about the text they read is centered around the concept of collaboration and discussion, which is a hallmark of literature circles. In literature circles, students come together in small groups to read and discuss a book or text. They take on various roles that may include discussion leader, summarizer, or connector, allowing each member to contribute their thoughts and insights about the material. This format encourages critical thinking, comprehension, and a deeper understanding of the text through dialogue and shared perspectives. In contrast, individual reading sessions typically focus on solitary reading where students work independently, offering limited opportunity for discussion. Readers Theater, while it involves performing and interpreting text, does not inherently focus on broader thematic discussions between peers in the same way literature circles do. Shared reading involves a teacher guiding the reading of a text with students, which may not fully engage students in verbal interactions as it primarily involves the teacher's direction. Thus, literature circles stand out as the approach that best fosters interaction and dialogue around the text among students.