Mini-Lessons for Literature Circles

We've noticed that students tend to stick with their friends rather than take the risk of getting to know someone new.  When a literature circle is formed around a chosen book rather than preexisting friendships, discussion may stall if students can't "break the ice."  Giving groups a low-risk, nonacademic topic to discuss every time they meet, just before they start the official book work, helps students to develop friendly working relationships.