Introduction
Book clubs are not just fun gatherings meant for book-loving adults. It can do wonders when you are trying to improve a child’s reading skills, and socialization is just a bonus! However, we do not see too many children’s book clubs out there.
So, you decide to take things on your own and start your very own children’s book club. However, the whole process is not as easy as it seems. Then you have reached the right place, and we can give you an overall guide to starting a literary haven for all the little ones.
Step 1: Ask Your Child First
Whether it is an initiative to help your child socialize more, or a means to create a habit of reading, you cannot simply arrange a book club without speaking to your child first. Is it even a kind of activity they will be interested in? Whether they would be more comfortable online or offline? Are they okay with having a bunch of children in the house every week? Will they be willing to join this club? Only after you get a green signal from your own kid can you proceed with the plan.
Step 2: Create An Online Survey
Before you can call upon the children to gather physically or virtually for a book club, parental permission is important. Therefore, first, create a survey where you can ask the parents their opinion on this new venture. The days they can spare the children to attend book clubs for kids, and valuable advice to make it a success.
Step 1: Find The Right Variety Of Books
Again another sector where parental opinion is important. No matter how innocent a book is, you cannot introduce it to a child without getting a green signal from the parent first. You can create a list of books with summary details or create a poll to green-mark the children’s literature you are free to introduce.
Step 4: The Right Funding
At its heart, this will be a non-profit venture. However, in order to arrange for the books, food, beverages, and electrical conveniences, you will need some money. For that, you can present a humble request to the parents. They can donate children’s literature books to the cause. Or, send a monthly fee for the food, beverage, and other convenience you are arranging for. You definitely won’t be profiting from any of it.
Step 5: Arrange A Meeting With The Children
By far, you were catering to the parent’s interest, but now it is time to think about the child as well. Begin with arranging a meeting with the children as a precursor to the book club. You will introduce the concept to them and then ask about their preference. For example, books they would love to read or other activities they will enjoy during their weekly literary week.
Step 6: Create A Safe Environment
The environment is very important when it comes to encouraging creativity and ignition. Both are equally important during a literature gathering. So, pick a room with enough light and air. Nothing around the basement since many are scared of these areas. Make the room you pick more child friendly with colorful curtains, cushions to sit on, and the right amount of toys (nothing too distracting since it is not a playroom).
Step 7: Food & Beverages
Again parental consent is very important before you feed anything and everything. You can even sit with the parents and create a food plan which caters to parental consent and the child’s taste bud. However, this is one zone where you will have disagreements. Do not give in to conflict. Rather ask the parents to only send the kids if they are absolutely comfortable with the food choices. However, if you have a virtual book club, food, and beverage will not be a concern anymore.
Step 8: Plan The Activities
Afterall, these are not adults and won’t be content with having small discussions and character studies. You have to arrange something far more interesting to keep them coming. A few examples would be talking about their favorite character, reading out loud in turns, or enacting the story in a sing-song drama, fun quizzes, etc.
Step 9: Organize Regular Meetings & Surveys
These regular meetings and surveys will always help you find new changes you need to make towards the club. During the meetings, encourage participation, listen to children’s thoughts, and foster an inclusive and fun atmosphere. Incorporate games, quizzes, and interactive activities related to the book to make the sessions enjoyable.
