Book clubs aren't just for adults. Children can also benefit from these clubs. While the reading material may be less challenging, children's book clubs are run much the same as adult book clubs. Finding the right mix of books to keep book club members interested and entertained is important in maintaining membership in the club. Depending on the ages of club members, parents can organize and lead the book club or merely take on an advisory role.
Step 1
Find a location for meetings. Investigate meeting rooms at schools, churches, community centers or libraries as possible locations for the book club. Members' parents can also take turns holding meetings in their homes.
Step 2
Prepare flyers regarding the first meeting of the club. Include information on the age range, time and place of the first meeting and contact information should anyone have any questions. Distribute the flyers at local libraries, community centers and schools.
Step 3
Ask each book club member to write down five books they would like to read and discuss in the group. Ask for parent or teacher suggestions to supplement the children's suggestions. Give the group a list of all of the suggested titles and allow them to vote to select the first six to 10 books that the group will read.
Step 4
Schedule subsequent meetings during the first meeting. The greatschools website suggests meeting once per month to allow children time to read each book.
Step 5
Appoint a discussion leader for meetings. If children are middle-school aged or older, they may want to take turns being the discussion leader. If the children are in elementary school, an adult may act as the discussion leader or assist the children chosen as discussion leaders.
Step 6
Write a list of questions for the discussion leader to use when leading the group. Include questions about what the children thought about the plot, setting and characters in the book. Ask children to explain if they felt that the story could really happen and if they felt that the characters seemed like real people.
Tips and Warnings
- Make a sign-up sheet for refreshments and pass it around at the first meeting. The LitLovers website suggests cooking a book-related menu together or asking everyone to bring a dish that relates to the theme of the book. Ask for members' telephone numbers, addresses and email addresses. Use this information to remind members about upcoming meetings or club activities. Limit the size of your book club to allow time for everyone to participate in the discussion. The LitLovers website recommends limiting membership to six to 15 participants.
Things You'll Need
- Flyers
- List of questions
- Refreshment sign-up sheet
- Members' contact information
