Jan Pierce, M. Ed.
Book clubs are fashionable these days. At one point avid readers met in coffee shops, bookstores, libraries and living rooms. And now there are online book club meet ups too.
Or you could set up a book club at home...with kids and adults.
There are excellent reasons for both creating and joining book
groups that go well beyond following the latest trend.
Here are some reasons both
you and your child should consider joining a book group:
The Call to Read
A well-organized book club meets regularly to discuss a
selected book. Discussion leaders may be fixed or rotating, but one person is
clearly in charge at each meeting. Wherever the group gathers there will be
some sort of agenda in which the content of the book—the writing style, the
characters, plot and much more are dissected and analyzed. Varying viewpoints
are offered, and the group can either come to consensus or agree to disagree on
certain conclusions. Book discussions are a chance to step outside the usual
activities of the day and “live” in another world created by the author. If
you’re interested in being a lifelong learner, this sort of discussion is
healthy for you.
For the Kids
Now, consider what a kids' book club might accomplish. The
same interest in various genres of children’s literature, analysis of character
and plot and the freedom to like or dislike the book apply. Kids greatly
increase their reading comprehension skills and their enjoyment of the reading
process when they engage in discussion related to the nuts and bolts of a book.
Find a book club at your local library
Social Aspects of a
Book Club
Book groups offer a sense of belonging and fulfill a desire
for regular social interactions with people of similar interests. You may be
stretched to read books you would never choose on your own. You may hear ideas
that would never have entered your mind when reading alone. Book discussions
bring out strong opinions, encourage personal openness and provide a lot of
laughter and camaraderie. If you are meeting in
person, add a simple meal or snacks and beverages, and you have a great
social event.
For the Kids
No surprise. Kids enjoy all of the above elements of a book
discussion. With guidance and the proper questions, they can enter into book
discussions and begin to form opinions on what they like and dislike. They
benefit from hearing the ideas of other kids and get some valuable practice in
expressing their ideas and opinions in a group. They enjoy exposure to a wide
variety of writing. Plus, they enjoy
snacks and drinks in the company of their peers.
Reading with a
Purpose
A third reason to belong to a book club is the motivation
they provide to keep reading. Adults know the benefits of exercising our gray
cells as we age and nothing does that better than reading. In a group there is
encouragement to go deeper and address questions posed. We’ll pay more attention
to detail and perhaps be spurred on to further background reading to extend our
understanding. We’ll engage.
READ MORE: Family Read-alouds: Fun with Poetry
For the Kids
Guess what? Kids enjoy reading more when they read with a
purpose. They may be looking for the elements of a story—beginning, middle, and
ending, or focusing on the choices the characters make in a certain book. They
love to talk about the ins and outs of the chosen story, maybe changing the
ending or writing themselves into the plot.
Clear Communication
Communication skills are enhanced in a reading group. We
engage in active listening to hear various opinions; we pose questions and
delve into the books to find answers. We may even do some writing related to
the book selected. Those who lead the group will find that choosing or creating
the discussion questions is valuable in itself. Members both give and receive
information.
For the Kids
Many children, even top students, find speaking before a
group intimidating. But when a group gathers for the express purpose of talking
about the latest book read together, the barriers come down. Kids like to
express their opinions and “get over” their worries about public speaking. A
kid’s book club is a great “next step” in listening, thinking and speaking in
front of others.
READ MORE: Ten Tips for Boosting Your Child’s Reading Skills
What Next?
If you aren’t in a book group, search for one. Libraries have a great list. Or, form your own
group. Invite friends and colleagues to
gather on a regular basis to read great books. Are you a mystery fan? Science
Fiction or Fantasy? Romance? Look for groups that focus specifically on your
favorite genre.
Or form a moms and dads and kids' group to read great children’s
literature together. A read-aloud followed by a short discussion and maybe a
follow-up craft or writing project would be a great format for this book
club. Craft too much trouble, add drinks and snacks for more fun.
For help on forming book clubs and the many shapes they may
take, go to:
http://www.litlovers.com/start-a-book-club
https://www.bookbrowse.com/bookclubs/advice/index.cfm/fuseaction/starting_club
http://www.pbs.org/parents/education/reading-language/reading-tips/how-to-start-a-book-club-for-kids/
PUBLISHER'S NOTE: We asked Sara Scoggan from the Newburgh Free Library to suggest books that both kids and adults would enjoy sharing together. See her suggestions below.
- Classics
such as Charlotte's Web, or the Chronicles of Narnia or Mixed Up Files of Mrs.
Basil E. Frankelweiler by E.L. Konigsburg or Half Magic by Edgar Eager or The
Wizard of OZ (compare to the movie after)
- Wordless
books are fabulous for family read alouds because many ages can take a turn and
tell their own version! Ex. The Journey Trilogy by Aaron Becker
- (Fun)
Biographies such as Cheaper by the Dozen or The Oldest Student: How Mary Walker
Learned to Read by Rita Lorraine Hubbard, (a picture book biography)
- Silly
picture books like Dragons Love Tacos by Adam Rubin or a serious picture book
for older readers such as Thank You, Mr. Falker by Patricia Polacco
- A top idea in Sara's opinion: classic fairy tales never get old!
- Sara also suggested that you check out Read Aloud Revival for tips on creating a read culture in the
family and great open ended discussion questions that can be used with all
ages.
You also might want to check out this list of over 100 suggested books on Goodreads.com. Then order the books through your public library. Have a fun night
reading, sharing stories and maybe a good snack.
Jan Pierce, M.Ed., is
a retired teacher and the author of "Homegrown Readers" and "Homegrown Family Fun".
She specializes in education, parenting and family life articles. Find Jan at www.janpierce.net.