Creating a Classic Book Club for Kids

Maybe you’re looking to expand this year’s homeschool co-op without adding a new class.

Maybe you’re unable to meet weekly co-op demands, but still desire a rich, interactive, educational experience for your students.  

Or, maybe you don’t homeschool at all, but want a forum for your children to read excellent literature, then experience the joy of sharing it with others.

A classic book club may be your answer.

The benefits are vast: exposure to rich language; depth of plot, character and setting development; and analysis of conflict, moral codes and overall themes. History comes alive, and the human condition is vividly exposed, in all its tragic glory.

And the best part? Discovery with friends.

Starting a classic book club is easy. Begin by asking yourself these questions:

1. What’s the purpose? How do you want to involve the students in great literature? Is your goal social or educational in nature? Student or adult led? Discussion only or activity driven (roll-play, dressing as favorite character, write a new ending)? Or something in-between? Our club is discussion driven with activities taking second seat. It’s your vision, you decide.

2. What is my max capacity? The more students involved, the less intimate their discussions. However, if your focus is activities driven, then size may be to your advantage.

3. What age span will I accommodate? Homeschoolers are used to working with broad age ranges. There is a limit, however. It’s difficult for a 3rd grader to appreciate the depth of Call of the Wild, and it’s hard for a 7th grader to dig My Father’s Dragon. In our club, I hug the middle. I also alternate between higher and lower level selections, excluding early elementary and high school all together.

4. How often will we meet? The standard is once a month. However, depending on your selections and amount of school reading, you may opt for more time between meetings. Last year our club met once a month. This year we’re moving to every six weeks. It’s trial and error.

5. How will selections be decided? Will you allow students (or families) to choose? Will you take suggestions? Don’t be afraid to take ownership of selecting books. I’ve found most families appreciate this—one less thing they have to decide. If they don’t like a selection one month, they will opt out. I take recommendations, but in the end, it’s my club, which I’m responsible for, so I create the list.

Once you have these questions answered, use the following tips for adding some organization and fun:

• Let students create a club name.
• Make your selection list before the first meeting. This helps families decide whether or not to join and gives them time to obtain the books.
• Rotate genres: historical, fantasy, animal, Americana. Consider adding poetry and biographies, too.
• Prepare a snack schedule for families to rotate through.  Consider making theme-based snacks.
• If you do a monthly activity, have families take turns planning and running the activity.
• For classics made into movies, consider watching the movie together with a short comparison discussion afterward. Or have families watch the movie beforehand, ready to compare/contrast in depth.

Of all the learning opportunities in which I’ve either participated or led, our Rockin’ Readers Classic Club is probably my favorite. The students love our times together. Their depth of insight – no matter the age – never ceases to amaze me. The commitment is less intense than weekly co-op, but still offers a rich educational experience. It’s been the right answer for many of my "maybes".

Resources:
Thomas Jefferson Education Classics list
Thomas Jefferson Education Home Companion
Honey for a Child’s Heart by Gladys Hunt
Books Children Love by Elizabeth Wilson

In-depth training on teaching the Classics:
Teaching the Classics

**Look for these gently used selections and many classics at The Pilgrim’s Journey!