We all are looking for an indulging activity that could bring us joy and pass an abundance of time this summer season. Upon searching through a few options, you come across a genius one called ‘book club for Children.’
You soon start investigating and find online book clubs where someone is investing time to find some of the best children’s literature for each week. Then every week, for an hour, they arrange an online meeting with the children. Parents can be present for supervision or be there in the background to ensure the other kids are not distracted.
If the idea seems interesting, then you have reached the right place. In this excerpt below, we will be discussing how you can pick the perfect online book club for your kid. After all, even after all the supervision, you might not be able to be present at every session. So, you wouldn’t want your child to be subjected to any inappropriate books or something against your principal.
Finding the Perfect Book Club for Your Child
Here is a parental guide to finding the perfect monthly book club for kids.
1. Parental Involvement
Suppose your child is too young to make any logical decisions for themselves, then being under your guidance through every activity is imperative. Therefore, before signing your child into a book club, always ask the admin about the child-parent involvement ratio. Whether you can actively sit and participate in these activities or you can be a silent bystander and still actively listen to their conversations.
2. Their Choice of Literature
Children’s literature is going through a controversial period now. Due to the changing onset of beliefs, many parents are having trouble accepting certain children’s books. Before accepting every societal change, it is important to define what is safe for your child (according to you). If any story or literature is making you uncomfortable, you shouldn’t have to subject your child to the genre.
3. What Is the Group Dynamic
Before you enroll your child in a book club, asking your child’s preference is very important. Some children are introverts, while others thrive in bigger groups.
Some people suffer from Autism Spectrum, and they might feel overwhelmed in a big group. This is one of the reasons why finding the right age and group dynamic for your child’s book club is important.
4. Style of Discussion
Find the style of discussion between the moderator and the children. Like sitting for a session and checking whether the moderator is able to mediate between the children through the screen. Are they entertaining enough for the children to be hooked for at least an hour? What is their way of storytelling? Are they cordial with the children and answer their questions properly? After all, this is not just an activity for their pastime but a real learning experience.
5. Inclusivity & Diversity
In the era of diversity and inclusivity, you shouldn’t send your child with a one-dimensional crowd. If it is online with no geographical boundaries, diversity should be a pinnacle of every online group. Especially when it is anything to do with kids and teaching them about acceptance and understanding between different cultures surrounding them.
How to Open the Perfect Book Clubs
If you are someone planning to open a book club to provide a brand new activity to your and other kids this summer, then here is your guide to starting one.
Creating the Perfect Book Club: Simplified Steps for Success
- Define Purpose: Clarify the book club’s goal—encouraging reading, fostering discussions, or building friendships.
- Select Age Group: Determine the target age range to ensure age-appropriate content and engagement.
- Choose Theme: Decide on genres or themes that resonate with the members, fostering enthusiasm.
- Set Meeting Frequency: Determine how often the club will meet—weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly.
- Pick Books: Select the initial book(s) to read, considering members’ preferences and reading levels.
- Establish Structure: Decide on discussion format, guidelines for sharing thoughts, and etiquette.
- Invite Members: Reach out to friends, family, or local community members who share the interest.
- Choose Venue: Select a physical location or online platform for meetings, considering convenience.
- Set Date and Time: Schedule regular meetings at a suitable time for all members.
Bob Duncan is the lead writer and partner on ConversationsWithBianca.com. A passionate parent, he’s always excited to dive into the conversation about anything from parenting, food & drink, travel, to gifts & more!