As you’ve probably figured out by now, I’m big on reading. As a child, my favorite past time was hunkering down in a comfy chair and spending the afternoon with a good book that took me places on the wings of my imagination. Books were particularly helpful in my tweens when life became a little more complicated. I could read to escape for a bit, or read to help me sort through life’s complexities along with the heroine of the books.
There was a special time during my tween years when my friends and I started a mom and daughter book club. We read quite a few interesting books during this time and it was a great experience. See, book clubs are not just for Oprah, anyone can start a book club.
Here’s what your child can do to start a book club:
They find several friends who also like to read. Keep in mind not everyone can come everytime, so maybe pick a few more people than originally thought of.
Pick a day/evening and time to meet that is the most suitable for everyone. Decide how often to meet – once every 2 weeks, once a month?
Rotate meeting locations. Your child can host the first one at your house and he or she gets to pick the book. I won’t lie, one of the biggest lures of the book club are the snacks, so be sure to have some good ones at hand!
Obviously both parents and kids should read the books and be ready to discuss them. As the adult, you should be ready to jump into the discussion with some thought-provoking questions if need be, but otherwise allow this to be kid-led.
As far as book choice, they should be age-appropriate, interesting but a little challenging,and worthy of a discussion. Some kids like to do a series of books but others think it’s fun to pick odd subjects they wouldn’t normally read about.
If your child loves to read, suggest they start a book club. It gives them a chance to bring their reading to a new level where they can talk about the characters and ideas in the books with their friends – all while eating great snacks.
Pigs In A Blanket
Refrigerated crescent rolls
Package little weiners like Li’l Smokies
1. Separate the crescent rolls and cut each in half the long way to make 16 smaller pieces.
2. Add each little weiners to each piece of crescent roll’s bigger end and roll it up.
3. Put them all on a cookie sheet and bake according to the crescent roll package directions.
4 Responses to “Book Clubs Are Not Just For Oprah”
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That’s a great idea Peggy! As a kid I needed no incentive to read, I read all the time – even got a few demerits for being late to class after a study hall because I got so engrossed in a book that I didn’t hear the bell. The teacher never bought that excuse but it’s the truth!
It saddens me to see so many kids with poor reading skills and little interest in reading, so it is particularly encouraging when I find folks like yourself who encourage youngsters to read. And starting a club to discuss their favorite books is a wonderful idea.
I no longer have any kids – just a pair of dogs. They don’t have any interest in reading, I’m sorry to say, but they have formed a bark club!
Thanks for the great suggestion, I will share it with those I know who do have kids in the formative years.
OMG I LOVE pigs in a blanket! My BFF makes them for me every xmas! They aren’t all that healthy so I try to limit eating them as a treat during the holidays.
Hi Allan,
That’s how I am with reading. I could read all day if I didn’t have other things call me away from it. At least once a week I hit the bookstore to browse; there’s nothing better than the smell of books!
Thanks for stopping by!
Peggy
Hi Susan,
I love your attitude! You like something even if it’s not the best thing for you, so you don’t say “no” but just limit yourself. Moderation like it’s supposed to be.
Thanks,
Peggy