Enrich Learning with Book Clubs in the Classroom and Library Webinar

This Follett webinar entailed the experiences of John Arther, a sixth-grade teacher, and Carrie Friday, a high school librarian, with running book clubs. Both presenters brought tips and tricks for running successful book clubs.  

The presentation started out with defining “book clubs.” This activity can look a few different ways.  

1. All students read the same book. 
2. Students choose from a selection of books and meet with others who are reading the same book. 
3. Students read different titles that share a theme. 

The key component is that students read and discuss books!  

The Research Says… 

Book clubs enhance student engagement and autonomy in literacy. They also create a positive impact on reading comprehension.  Additionally, social skills, including public speaking and empathy, often grow using book clubs.  

Tips and Tricks 

Arther and Friday suggested various tips and tricks, including:   

1. Selecting book titles that align with students’ interests, as well as educational standards. Make sure plenty of copies are available.   
2. Establishing norms and group roles. While book clubs should allow for flexibility in discussions, guidelines help keep students on track.     
3. Students should lead the book clubs, while the educator provides support and resources. (Look for already made resources, too! The wheel does not need to be reinvented over and over.)   
4. Incorporating extension activities to show understanding. Extension activities might include book review videos or hands-on STEM activities that tie into the theme of the book.   
5. Challenging students to work through difficult parts together. One of the biggest perks to book clubs is the discussion aspect. Allow, and encourage, students to discuss parts they do not quite understand with one another. As the educator, offer them any insight that might help with these discussions.    
6. Advertising through word of mouth, online and intercom announcements, and posters/printed announcements throughout the school building.  
7. Providing time, in school, to read. This can happen during library times, over lunch periods, or at the same time as after school programs.   
8. Giving students choice whenever possible.  
9. Employing incentives, especially for new book clubs. Some incentives might include author visits (virtual or in-person), a pizza party, or completion certificates at a school-wide awards ceremony.   

Ways to Fund Book Clubs 

Funding can be a concern when it comes to book clubs. After all, most libraries do not keep more than a couple copies of an individual title on their shelves. However, there are some options, including:  

1. Grants,  
2. Amazon wish lists,  
3. Scholastic points,  
4. Local business partners and donations,  
5. Fundraisers,  
6. School organizations, such as PTO or Booster Clubs, and  
7. While this option does not entail actual funding, North Dakota State Library’s Book Club Kits! (These kits can be browsed and requested through the library catalog, here, using the term “NDSL book club” in the search bar. The checkout period for these book club kits is 8 weeks.)   

Final Thoughts 

Book clubs can be a fun and effective way to encourage reading. They can help build both comprehension and social skills, as well as give students a sense of community within their school. Book clubs can look a variety of different ways, depending upon the wants and needs of students and the educator planning this activity. Book clubs tie into one of the key aspects of school librarianship:  Helping students learn about the world, themselves, and others through the act of reading!