Oh, Dearest Mother, Sweetest Virgin of Altagracia, our Patroness. You are our Advocate and to you we recommend our needs. You are our Teacher and like disciples we come to learn from the example of your holy life. You are our Mother, and like children, we come to offer you all of the love of our hearts. Receive, dearest Mother, our offerings and listen attentively to our supplications. Amen.



Active Topics || Favorites || Member List || Search || About Us || Help || Register || Login
Living Learning (Forum Locked Forum Locked)
 4Real Forums : Living Learning
Subject Topic: Looking for Book Club advise! Post ReplyPost New Topic
Author
Message << Prev Topic | Next Topic >>
Devoted
Forum Newbie
Forum Newbie


Joined: June 27 2007
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 42
Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 9:33am | IP Logged Quote Devoted

Hello, All!

I'm thinking of hosting a book club this year and would like to know what has and hasn't worked for you in the past, if you would be kind enough to share!

My daughter is 8 and I would like to target that age and fair sex. I'd like it to be a discussion group and possibly an activity. The discussion is more important than the activity, though. The books would be things we'd be reading anyway and will probably follow the Angelicum Academy reading list for 3rd grade.

So, what things have you done to encourage people to come (nothing like hosting an event and no one showing up!) and what did you do to really get the kids to read the selections BEFORE they came and do a little prep work to have some questions/comments/insights to share?

How often did you meet? Really, we could read one of these books in a week but who (not us!) would be willing to meet for book club everyday for a week! Weekly seems good b/c then we could assign parts to read and discuss and complete the book over a few weeks. On the other hand, monthly wouldn't be bad b/c then the girls could read the whole book and just show up for discussion.

My daughter loves tea parties and we could make it book and tea OR we could do some other good idea. Do you have any?

Any ideas and sharing of past experiences greatly appreciated!!
Back to Top View Devoted's Profile Search for other posts by Devoted
 
JuliaT
Forum All-Star
Forum All-Star


Joined: June 25 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 563
Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 3:23pm | IP Logged Quote JuliaT

I can't give you any "btdt) advice, but I have been thinking about starting a discussion group as well. I have decided to personally invite the children, this way I can be assured of numbers plus in knowing the kids, then I know what I may be in for. If this works well and I am more confident in leading this group, then I will open it up to our homeschooling group.

I have also been tossing around how often to meet. I think we will do it twice a month. Weekly seems a bit too much of a commitment to me, but monthly may be too far apart for any continuity to take place.

I would love to hear of other's experience with this sort of thing.

Blessings,
Julia
mom to 3(8,6,4)
http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/Juliainsk
Back to Top View JuliaT's Profile Search for other posts by JuliaT
 
anneleisa
Forum Newbie
Forum Newbie


Joined: Jan 20 2006
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 4
Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 3:30pm | IP Logged Quote anneleisa

My oldest daughter started a book club when she was 8. She is now turning 11, and it has been a success. We set it up initially with a discussion, a craft (we tried to have it fit with the book if possible), and a snack. The kids were motivated to read the book on their own, at home (because they knew the others were, and that they would be talking about it). If a book was too difficult for a child, mom would read it at home, or would check out a book on tape.

We have always held our book club once a month--any more, and it would have been too overwhelming for me and all of the families involved, with other homeschool responsibilities. I was surprised at the positive response when we sent out inital inquiries/invitations, and we now have seven kids in the club.

Last year, the book club evolved into an Around the World book club. This allows the boys in families to be involved. We have also begun to assign each child a 'responsiblity' in addition to reading the book. The kids choose books from different countries (e.g., Trumpeter of Krakow[Poland], Chucaro[Argentina]), and are responsible for something related to the country: a craft, snack, game, tradition, map, flag...

THe kids have always ended with the snack and tea (or other beverage, depending on the country). They have taken more and more responsibility for the club, and it has been wonderful to watch them grow...

I HIGHLY encourage you to do this, and best of luck!!!

anneleisa


Back to Top View anneleisa's Profile Search for other posts by anneleisa
 
MaryM
Board Moderator
Board Moderator
Avatar

Joined: Feb 11 2005
Location: Colorado
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 13104
Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 4:26pm | IP Logged Quote MaryM

We're looking at a book club here as well. Marjorie posted the most incredible posts on her blog earlier this spring describing how their book club works. You can find the links to that in this previous book club thread.

And Matilda has been posting about her book club plans which sound awesome.

__________________
Mary M. in Denver

Our Domestic Church
Back to Top View MaryM's Profile Search for other posts by MaryM Visit MaryM's Homepage
 
Marjorie
Forum Pro
Forum Pro


Joined: June 15 2006
Location: Georgia
Online Status: Offline
Posts: 230
Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 6:32pm | IP Logged Quote Marjorie

Thanks for your kind words, Mary. I am glad that you liked the posts. FYI, I wrote one last book club post Book club - leading the discussion. We have really loved book club. We can't wait for our September start and Robin Hood!

__________________
Yours in Christ,
Marjorie

Lettres de mon Moulin
Back to Top View Marjorie's Profile Search for other posts by Marjorie
 

Sorry, you cannot post a reply to this topic.
This forum has been locked by a forum administrator.

  [Add this topic to My Favorites] Post ReplyPost New Topic
Printable version Printable version

Forum Jump
You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot create polls in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum

Hosting and Support provided by theNetSmith.com