ABSTRACT
Powerful literature discussions happen when readers have opportunities to talk about books. Once students have become proficient in analyzing greeting cards, the authors move on to examining the discourses in children's literature. Picture books are a good place to start because of their length and the careful use of language. Literature logs are a great way for students to keep track of responses to the books they read independently, hear read aloud, or prepare for literature circles. Pat Smith, a professor from Australia, developed the chart-a-conversation strategy to support readers in considering multiple perspectives as they engage in extended conversations about books. Jim Gee's discourse analysis strategies can be simplified and used with all students. While the familiar practices of doodling and jotting down random thoughts are seen as off-task behaviours, the graffiti board strategy recasts these everyday behaviours as productive ways to make connections and build new understandings. Drama strategies are great for readers at any level.
