The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow Video Circles

Literature circles have provided invaluable for teachers introducing literature as well as document-based instruction. The same tools can be used, with little “tweaking” when using documentaries as well as full length movies. The strategy is to leave enough time to accomplish your goals and to provide a way which students can watch the video on their own time. There are four major roles in video circles; summarizer, connector, wordsmith and plumber. Each role is described on the individual role sheet. The video “The Rise and Fall of Jim Crow” is the example, but the format can be used on any video documentary.