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A Play Date For The Books

A book club is an entertaining and educational way to bring kids together

By Melissa Hucal January 1, 2014
For a twist on the typical play date, consider starting a kids’ book club. 

Your kids are never too young to grow an appreciation for reading, so it’s never too early to start. And for your older kids, a book club with their friends is a great way for them to mark off that required time on their reading logs!

An ideal size for a kids’ book club is about 6-10 members (along with their parent or caregiver if they are very young. For younger ages, you might also want to keep the group smaller). 

Regardless of age, make sure that all members are reading near the same level. Most book clubs meet once or twice a month and can meet anywhere – the library, the park or members’ homes are popular choices.

Determine when and where you want to meet and then select your book. Think back to those you enjoyed as a child or ask your librarian or children’s bookseller for suggestions. Allow older kids to discuss and vote on the book themselves for each meeting. 

Your book club can take on several identities. If the kids aren’t yet readers themselves, appoint a “storyteller” for each month to select a book and read it to the group. Then, follow up with an activity (a craft or a game) and snack related to the book. Or, if the group is made up of beginning readers, practice reading aloud and reinforcing new words and phrases. Independent readers can read the book before the club meets and then spend the time together discussing the book. 

Regardless of how it’s structured, a kids’ book club should fun. After all, it’s the opportunity to read with your child and encourage them in their reading journey!