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Devoted
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| Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 9:33am | IP Logged
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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!!
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JuliaT
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| Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 3:23pm | IP Logged
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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
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anneleisa
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| Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 3:30pm | IP Logged
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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
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MaryM
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| Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 4:26pm | IP Logged
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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.
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Mary M. in Denver
Our Domestic Church
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Marjorie
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| Posted: Aug 10 2007 at 6:32pm | IP Logged
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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!
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Yours in Christ,
Marjorie
Lettres de mon Moulin
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4Real Forums : Living Learning
Topic: Looking for Book Club advise!
