A book club for children

Obviously, this book club will only work for children who are five to ten-years-old.

Older children might baulk at the thought of being in a book club with their mother.

But there are ways to make this a pleasurable and meaningful way to make this an exciting holiday activity for small children.

It’s probably best to follow the same etiquette as children’s birthday parties meaning that the book club’s size will be no more than one child more than the age of the children in the book club. You should only include children who are no more than one year older than your child.

A mother/daughter book club is a novel idea for mothers who want to promote holiday reading. It can be a way to build excitement for children now going into kindergarten or standard one while building necessary listening skills and important cognitive skills for them to succeed in school. Listening skills are particularly important because listening is a dying art in school.

Here are some tips: Do your research online to find what are the best picture books or chapter books for elementary children –children up to eight should have picture books, and older children should have chapter books. Most major newspapers provide lists of new books.

Have discussions before reading the book – these discussions should highlight major themes and create a relevant connection between the child and the book. Ask pertinent questions relating to a book. Why is it important to be kind to people.

Make reading sessions short – use one picture book for small children; no more than 20 minutes to half hour for a chapter book. Choose short chapter books and read as long as it is enticing and exciting for children.

Engage in discussions after reading a book—chapter books should have ongoing discussions. Ask questions that cause children to think.

Provide food – successful book clubs always end in socialising, and children enjoy treats after a reading activity just as much as adults do. Also include play time afterwards.

Children should get the idea that reading time is just as entertaining as play time.

Allow each mother in the group to choose a book – This way you will get a variety of books – some of which you might never have chosen.

Some of my favourite picture books: Children Make Terrible Pets by Peter Brown – When a bear finds a child and takes him home for a pet, the bear’s mother warns it is not a good idea. But the bear must learn the hard way. This is a great book to teach empathy skills and point of view. The Paper Bag Princess by Michael Martchenko – When a princess’s boyfriend is kidnapped, a princess practically moves mountains to save him. When she finally finds her prince, the ungrateful prince comments on her dishevelled appearance. The princess tells the prince just how awful he is. This is a great book that teaches young girls the power of self.

Du Iz Tak by Carson Ellis – Written entirely in a make-believe language, this book forces children to think outside the box.

What is this language? The discussions will be amazing.

Do Unto Otters by Laurie Keller – This funny book about manners will teach young girls about the importance of behaving like a lady