Encourage Reading by Starting a Kids' Book Club
Help Kids Become Lifelong Readers by Creating a Reading Group
Jun 12, 2009
No matter the time of year, books can provide hours of entertainment, education and fun for kids. A wonderful way to promote the love of reading is to start your own children's book club. Young readers, old enough to read on their own and ready to explore a variety of genres are the ideal members for a children's book club.
What is a Book Club
According to Dictionary.com, a book club is a group of individuals who like to review and discuss books. A children's book club can be big or small. Whether an intimate group of family members or a larger neighborhood group, a children's book club is a great way to foster a love of reading.
Book clubs can also help change an alarming trend found in a 2006 Scholastic, Inc. "Kids and Family Reading Report". The report revealed that 44 percent of children ages five to eight read daily, while by ages fifteen to seventeen, the number of daily readers drops to just 15 percent. By fostering a love of reading early, children are more likely to become lifelong readers.
How to Select Books for a Children's Book Club
Ask the local librarian for suggestions on reading material that is appropriate for the ages of the children in your book club. Or ask the children to bring some of their favorite authors to the initial book club meeting. Use their suggestions to put together a reading list for the book club. Be sure to keep in mind the reading level of each member of the book club. Choose subject matter that is appropriate for the age of children in the book club.
A book club can focus entirely on having fun. Choose subjects that are light-hearted and whimsical such as Captain Underpants [Scholastic, Inc., 2003], or Diary of a Wimpy Kid. [Harry N. Abrams, 2007]. Or for those young detectives, select a list of books to read that focus on solving mysteries. Animal lovers can read about animals and so on. Regardless, keep the focus on reading and keep readers engaged by picking subject matter that they enjoy reading about.
Where to Find More Information
If you are interested in starting a book club for kids, there are a number of resources available. The Scholastic web site has a variety of useful information and suggestions to inspire readers. The local library may already have a book club that you and your children can join. Another useful web site is the Book Clubs Resource provides in-depth information and tips for starting and running your own book club. The Book Nut's Reading Club web site offers advice, book lists and other suggestions for parents.
A children's book club is a wonderful way to share and encourage a love of reading. Parents can get involved too by reading the same books and discussing with children when finished. Being a part of a book club also provides an opportunity to make new friends and build reading confidence.
References:
Gleman, Judy and Krupp Levy, Vicki, The Kids' Book Club Book, NY, Penguin Books, 2007.
