How to Start a Children's Book Club

The BBC Learning Parents Blog: Foundation of a children's book club

In the last few years there have been many book associations and I, for example, have profited from the fact that I have read and discussed a number of titles that I normally would not use. However, not only grown-ups, even kids jump on the book trolley. A lot of educators and help the kids to start and run their own bookclub.

That is not necessarily the case with kids. They' re still at an advanced stage where they can enjoy books if the book club is enjoyable and wellorganized. With the help of her daughter's schoolteacher, she founded a week-long midday book club for eight able but hesitant people.

There is a noteworthy change in her daughter's approach to poetry. I' m so excited that I'm going to do something similar for my girl, and my boyfriend has given a lot of advice on how to get the most out of a children's book club. Encourage them to think about what they like and who their favorite characters are.

That is a point of departure for the debate in the first meeting. Keeping the parent on the boat is even better if the parent can take turns to make life easier for the club. It is also a good suggestion to offer a beverage and a light meal and to set up some basic guidelines, such as not to interrupt and to talk alternately.

It can be better for younger kids, fortnights or even weeks, if they read short textbooks. A 30-minute meeting is sufficient for younger kids and up to one lesson for older kids, either after class or during the midday break, if your child's language course is accessible and parents are able to support them.

The most important decision is the selection of titles to be studied. If you are a less avid reader, select a funny, simple book with larger-than-life character for the first meeting to interest the group. Above all, however, the book club should become something the kids want and like.