HOW TO START A READING CLUB - FOR KIDS BY KIDS
Starting a Reading Club may seem to be an overwhelming task. Yes, it is overwhelming and yet rewarding. This is an excellent opportunity to spark an interest in reading and have a life-long love for it. The key to have a successful Reading Club is to make it interesting, fun and rewarding. This will give your fellow children opportunity for learning and imagination, to think, reflect and share their ideas within the group. Guides and tips will be provided on this article which can be very beneficial for you over the years. So kids, let's keep reading!
Here's a guide on how to set up a Reading Club:
Making sure the Reading Club is Successful
The very first and most important thing that you need to ensure that your reading club will be successful is the cooperation of the participants. Joiners must be willing and interested to participate and support every activity that the club will be launching. You also need to decide you can participate on your Reading Club. It will be best if the members will be on the same age range as yours so you are on the similar reading level and interest. You also need to decide on the size of your Club. Not too few that the discussion might be boring or it may not be as lively as what you are aiming. Not too many that you can give each and everyone a chance to provide their insight. Advertise your plan on setting up a reading club. You can make a phone call or send an email to the people whom you think will be interested to join or if you can ask permission to post a little advertisement on your School Library, that will be an option. That way, you only need to contact those who respond to your invitation. Select a location where everyone will fit and will be comfortable for your meet ups and other activities.
Launching your Reading Club
Set up an organizational meeting where you and fellow kids will have a chance to know each other, start friendship with other members and encourage each other to read and share their ideas. This is also the best time for you to explain the rules of your club. You must set a date and time for your next meeting so you can discuss the books that you read. You can meet once or twice a month. You must decide on the frequency of your meetings as well. This aims to give ample time to the readers. The goals of your Reading Club must be clear for everyone and all of you must know how to achieve that goal.
Making sure all members are involved
You can select a theme, a central topic or idea for each month. You can also gather suggestions on which books to read and then let the other kids decide on what book to pick as long as the concept of the book will revolve on the same theme. Or if everyone will agree, you can just pick one of those books to read so that you will have one common book to discuss on your next meeting. Discussions must be structured as well. There should be a facilitator at least two of your members to lead the discussion by being a moderator. They must determine who can talk alternately. Facilitators or moderators have to make sure they are not dominating the discussion and they are giving fair share of time to everyone. Leading questions must be prepared prior to the meeting to ensure that the discussion will be productive and thought-provoking to make it more meaningful. Encourage everyone to participate. If you perceive some kids to be reluctant, you can reach out to them and know their interest and encourage them to give suggestions. Other kids on your club might have the same interest as well. Don't be too formal on your meetings. The atmosphere must be light and fun and yet informative and meaningful. After the discussion you can also do other fun activities like play games or create some crafts. But the focus should remain on your monthly theme, the book that you read and your discussion.
Now you're all set! You now have the guide on how to start a Reading club and some tips how to make sure it will be successful. I bet you are already thinking of your friends, classmates and cousins. So, what are you waiting for? Go ahead, plan and start your Reading club now!
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