AP Literature is difficult for some students, especially after other English classes that focus on different areas of the subject. 

But to help ease the pressure, the class is using literature circles where students receive one of three books and annotate literary devices to help properly understand the text. Peer groups can collaborate and compare adaptations with the goal of improving students’ ability to understand the text.

“I personally enjoy reading in a group, so I feel like having a circle and just kind of sitting down with them, see how different perspectives kind of come to life about a book,” senior Tara Godarzi Nia said. “I might not notice a certain thing about the chapter that we’re reading with someone else. Well, and sharing that with each of the group members is definitely a really good experience and just exciting.”

For AP Literature teacher David Barr, his favorite part is hearing the students’ conversations.

“My favorite part is just eavesdropping on these conversations, just listening to all the fun things people are getting from it,” Barr said. “And when everyone is comfortable enough to be like, what is happening? And everyone’s like, I know, like I don’t understand now. And just that level of conversation and seeing like just having a group of people to share that with, I really do think it brings out that genuine reaction to the story.”