How to Start a Book Club

by Cindy Tenner

So you want to start a book club? Fantastic! A book club is a wonderful idea if you're worried that your child's reading skills might slip over the summer months, or if you're just looking for some creative activities to do with your kids. Our easy-to-follow steps will help get you started.

1. Search for members
The first step in creating your book club is to find four to six children who can participate with a parent or other adult. We recommend that you choose a group who share reading abilities and interests. Interests don't have to be identical; the great thing about book clubs is that they often get people to read something that they otherwise wouldn't choose.

2. Choose the place and the time
Many book clubs take turns meeting at each other's homes. You can even send out invitations for your meetings. The host, in this case the host family, usually provides something to eat or drink. It's wise to discuss how you will do this beforehand -- you don't want the host to feel pressured to prepare a gourmet feast! Perhaps you will meet once a month at 5 p.m. for two hours. The prearranged menu may be pizza, a beverage, and a simple dessert.

3. Make an agenda
Allow some time for the children and adults to do something separate from each other. This may be an activity that relates to the book, or free playtime. At the end of the meeting, choose your next reading selection, and where and when you will meet. Some clubs choose several months of books at one time. Have a method for your selection. Try a variety of books with different themes, settings, characterizations, and plots. Some clubs make several suggestions and then vote. Other clubs have the host family for the month choose the book.

4. Have fun!
Most importantly, have fun! However you decide to organize your book club, remember to have a good time doing it. A book club is about spending time with your children and expanding both of your interests, not worrying about details.

More on: Great Reads for Kids