Book Club Fun
As parents, we're always on the lookout for fun and educational activities to do with our kids. And what could be better than diving into the magical world of books together? Starting a mini book club with your children can be a fun way to spark their love for reading, ignite their imagination, and spend quality time as a family.
To capture your kids' interest, it's essential to choose books that truly speak to them. Visit your local bookstore and let your children explore. Encourage them to pick a book each month that they're super excited to read. When they have a say in the selection process, they'll be more eager to dive into the stories.
Scheduling regular book club meetings adds a sense of excitement and anticipation. Whether it's a cozy Sunday afternoon or a Thursday evening adventure, find a time that works and stick to it. Consistency will make the experience more enjoyable and help foster a love for reading in your kids.
The heart of any book club lies in the discussions that follow reading. Encourage your little readers to share their thoughts, feelings, and favorite parts of the book. You can create a cozy reading nook, or simply sit together at the dining table. Let each family member take turns sharing their opinions, asking questions, and exploring the story's themes. This will not only deepen their understanding but also enhance their communication skills.
To make your book club even more exciting, try to incorporate fun activities related to the books you read. For instance, if you're diving into a story about pirates, arrange a treasure hunt in your backyard. If you're exploring a book about animals, visit a local zoo or create animal-themed crafts. These hands-on experiences will further engage your kids and make the book club even more fun.
Charlene’s book recommendations:
"Stone picks her own books for me to read and there are quite a few, LOL! At our home, we have a book club delivered by the wonderful folks at Literati. You can check them out at www.literati.com. One of her absolute favorites is Julia MacDonald. She adores every book in the collection: "The Gruffalo," "The Gruffalo Child," "The Snail on the Whale," and "Room on a Broom." I can't blame her; they're all fantastic! Another beloved author in our house is Dr. Seuss. Stone can't get enough of "Green Eggs and Ham," "The Cat in the Hat," "ABC," "Hop on Pop," and "Oh Say Can You Say? Fox in Socks." We've got quite the collection going!"
Stone's latest obsession is Richard Scarry, author of ”Busy Town" and "Lowly Worm". She's head over heels for this author and can't get enough of his books.
We also love a series called "Little People, Big Dreams" by Maria Isabel Sánchez Vegara. These beautifully illustrated books explore the lives of outstanding people, from designers and artists to scientists and activists. Each person achieved incredible things, starting with a childhood dream. Some of our personal favorites include Maya Angelou, Rosa Parks, Basquiat, Martin Luther King Jr., Ella Fitzgerald, and Gandhi. We also enjoyed the Frank Lloyd Wright and Andy Warhol kids' books. It's amazing how these books are inspiring.
Another great find was the fantastic "Bob Books" series, designed to teach reading skills acquisition. Each level addresses a specific stage in a child's reading development, and Stone has been loving them.
Lastly, we have Mo Williams' "Should I Share My Ice Cream?"—Stone adores all of Mo Williams' books! And who can forget about classic favorites like "Madeline" and "Mary Poppins”? Oh, and don't miss out on "The Bad Seed" by Jory John, and the heartfelt tale of "The Giving Tree" by Shel Silverstein.
Happy reading!
xo
Char
