I understand that sometimes the thought of a Book Club sounds overwhelming and uninteresting. We wonder how all those other parents have the time to read and discuss. However, Book discussions are imperative for understanding and truly comprehending our reading.
Imagine reading a book that really spoke to you, one that truly resonated with your life, emotions, or dreams and changed you. Maybe it was a book that you just couldn’t put down and couldn’t wait to see what happened next. When you finish the book you search for anyone to share in this experience and see if they had a similar reaction or connection. Now imagine having to go to school the next morning and take a 5-10 question multiple-choice quiz about “Main character traits” or “Identifying the main idea.” Immediately your love for the book has been stolen and you move on to the next one with less passion and enthusiasm. You end up searching for books that are easy to read and understand so that we can pass the next comprehension quiz and get a compliment from your teacher. THIS is how our children feel as readers’ everyday.
Talking about books is essential. Through discussion we deepen our understanding of characters, plot, themes, etc… We count on a partner to challenge our opinion and prove our opinions with evidence. We learn to read books with love and passion and not to pass a test.
As a parent, you can bring that love for reading to your child at home. You can provide that safe place to explore new genres and adventures with your child. You can create the environment for them to deepen their understanding of literature in an exciting way. If you want your child to enjoy reading and feel less burdened by it, you can develop the book club at home:
Here are some ideas:
- Read Aloud to your child and share the experience of reading together. Discuss the book throughout and think deeply. (You can find a great list of read aloud books for all ages at: https://readaloudrevival.com/booklist-2/)
- Have your child read the same book as a friend. Facilitate a conversation with them after they finish the book to encourage them to share ideas. (See next blog for how to run a book club.)
- Join an online Book Community with your child to help the find others that are reading the same book to share ideas and opinions. (http://www.bookclubcentral.org/how-to-book-club/find-a-book-club/)
Reading should be an enjoyable experience for everyone, parents and kids. Through Book Clubs and discussions, children will begin to develop that love for reading that we all have experienced at some point in our lives. The small details and skills for comprehension will develop if they love books first. Start your Book Club today!
