Family Book Club
Family Book Club
My favorite suggestion to parents who have children who aren’t into reading is Family Book Club. No matter the age of your children every family member can participate! Having a family book club will encourage your children to read and will give you something to talk about around the dinner table. You can have everyone read on their own or read the book to your children depending on your goal and the ages of your children.
Before you begin: Build Excitement! Tell everyone you are starting a book club. Explain what a book club is and why its so fun!
Step 1: Chose a Book
If your family is anything like mine everyone will have an opinion. Create a plan for how books will be chosen. Each child can get a turn. You can give the family two book options and have a family vote. If you have a hesitant reader you might want to get both books approved by them before the vote.
I recommend reading the book ahead of time or getting a recommendation from a teacher. Don’t forget to include your favorite books from when you were a kid.
Step 2: Give the Background Knowledge
Make sure each person has the background information they need to understand the book. If the book takes place in a different time or place, give your children some information about the setting. Showing pictures or videos can help your child visualize while reading.
Step 3: Set a timeline
Your timeline will depend on your family. Pick a timeline that will realistically work for you and your family. Plan the timeline as a family and give lots of reminders to keep everyone on track. Breakdown the book into manageable parts so you can have multiple discussions along the way. This will keep your kiddos motivated.
Example: Our family will discuss chapter 1 at dinner on Friday.
Give Reminders and offer help: Remember we are discussing chapter 1 on Friday. Do you want to read a few pages together tonight before bed?
Step 4: Check Ins
Do not wait until the end of the book to discuss the book! Have frequent check-ins with your family based on your timeline.
Timeline Check ins: Make sure everyone is progressing in the book and staying on the timeline. Ask questions that keep your children in suspense, “Have you gotten to the funny part yet?” “What has been the best part of the book so far?”
Comprehension Check ins: Ask open ended questions. Focus on the main character's thoughts, feelings, and actions. If your child is having trouble make sure you clarify any information before they continue reading. Always encourage your child to ask you clarifying questions.
Step 5: Discuss and have fun!
You can prepare some questions ahead of your family's discussion time or see what your children bring up! Make the discussion exciting and memorable:
Make snacks that relate to the book
Take a trip to a setting of the book
Do an activity or a hobby the main character enjoys
Remember the ultimate goal is to make reading fun for your child!
