How to Host an Engaging Reading Circle for Louis Sachar's 'Holes'

From bank robbers to deadly lizards, Louis Sachar’s hit novel, Holes, has made a lasting impression on young adult literature. Hosting a reading circle for Louis Sachar's "Holes" can be a dynamic way to engage middle school students in literature. This novel’s intricate plot, rich themes, and relatable characters provide ample material for in-depth discussions and creative activities. Here’s a guide to organizing an engaging and educational reading circle.

Dividing Students by Shared Topics of Interest

Gone are the days of separating students by reading level. All students have something to contribute and learn from each other. To make discussions more meaningful, consider dividing students into groups based on topics of interest related to the book. Here are some ideas:

1. Friendship and Loyalty: Explore the bonds formed between characters like Stanley and Zero, and how these relationships develop and impact the story.

2. Overcoming Adversity: Discuss how characters face and overcome challenges, from the harsh conditions at Camp Green Lake to personal struggles.

3. Family History and Legacy: Examine how the Yelnats family history and the curse play a crucial role in the plot, as well as the significance of heritage and legacy.

4. Mystery and Adventure: Focus on the elements of mystery and treasure hunting, including the clues, the treasure itself, and the excitement of discovery.

5. Justice and Injustice: Analyze the theme of justice, including the wrongful conviction of Stanley, the treatment of boys at the camp, and the ultimate resolution of these injustices.

Unique Roles for the Reading Circle

Assigning specific roles can help students engage with the text in different ways. Here’s a unique take on traditional reading circle roles:

Connector:

Links the events and themes of the book to real-life experiences, other literature, or current events. Encourages the group to see the broader relevance of the story.

Activity Example: Have them share a personal story or current news article that parallels an event or theme in "Holes."

Investigator:

Probes the text with thoughtful questions, encouraging deeper analysis and discussion. Questions can address plot developments, character motivations, or thematic elements.

Activity Example: Create a list of open-ended questions about a chapter, such as “Why do you think Stanley continues to dig despite the unfairness of his situation?”

Quoter:

Highlights significant passages or quotes from the text, explaining their importance to the story, themes, or character development.

Activity Example: Choose a powerful quote from a chapter and explain why it stands out, how it relates to the overall plot, or what it reveals about a character.

Illustrator:

Creates visual representations of scenes, characters, or themes from the book. This can include drawings, diagrams, or even digital art.

Activity Example: Draw a scene where Stanley and Zero find the treasure, paying close attention to the details described in the text.

Geographer

Tracks the settings where the action takes place, describing each in detail and discussing how the setting influences the events and mood of the story.

Activity Example: Map out the various locations mentioned in the book, such as Camp Green Lake, and describe their significance to the plot.

Definer:

Identifies and defines unfamiliar or important words from the text. Explain their meanings and significance within the context of the story.

Activity Example: Select a list of challenging words from the reading, define them, and use them in new sentences to reinforce understanding.

Researcher:

Investigates background information related to the book, such as the historical context, author’s background, or factual elements within the story.

Activity Example: Research and present a brief report on the history of juvenile detention centers in the U.S. and how they compare to Camp Green Lake.

Structuring the Reading Circle

Begin by introducing "Holes" and its major themes. Assign roles to students, rotating them periodically to give everyone a chance to experience different perspectives. Divide students into smaller groups based on their shared topics of interest.

Have students read assigned chapters independently or in their groups. Conduct role-specific activities, allowing each student to present their findings or creations. Facilitate group discussions based on the presentations and prepared questions. Conclude each session with a group reflection, where students can share their thoughts on the reading and the discussions. Encourage students to connect the day’s reading to their own lives or current events.

Digging Into Holes This Year

Hosting a reading circle can be a highly engaging and educational experience for middle school students. Through these activities, students not only appreciate the nuances of "Holes" but also develop valuable skills in analysis, creativity, and collaboration. At the end of the reading circle, try assigning a project where students can create something together, like a group mural, a series of stories, or a PowerPoint presentation to showcase what they’ve learned.

Written by Rachel Jones
Education World Contributor
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