Maintaining momentum
Hype
Though we typically think of reading as a solitary activity, book clubs are inherently communal and need social momentum to thrive. There is no substitute for the social bonds formed by sharing the experience of reading. In other words, when small talk in the hallway is about reading, it further cements a culture of learning in the school and builds enthusiasm for both staff and students around the book club text and meeting. During passing time, our principal will frequently stand in the hallway and ask students if they've made it to the shark attack scene or what they thought of the ending. These moments help transform book clubs from isolated events into part of the culture of our school.Invitations
Creating formal invitations to the book club meeting is an easy gesture that can make the event feel special and important for students. There are many free, printable invitations available online that can easily be adapted for book clubs. Below are some examples:
Thirteen Reasons Why Invitation, created using a template from Greetings Island
The First Part Last Invitation, created using a template from Printable Invitation Kits
The Hate U Give Invitation, created using a template from Greetings Island
Calendars
For longer books, such as I Am Number Four and The House of the Scorpion, printing a small calendar on cardstock has helped students pace their reading to finish the book by the date of the book club. Because a book club is not a school assignment, we've avoided language like "due", instead using suggested dates for completing chapters and encouraging students to set their own pace for reading.
The House of The Scorpion Calendar
Bookmarks
Like calendars, bookmarks are a great way to help students and staff say on task as they read. Bookmarks (also easily printed on cardstock) can have the date of the book club meeting, as well as designated space for students to jot down notes or discussion questions.
With books that may be harder to follow, bookmarks can be used to help students track points of confusion. For example, How it Went Down alternates between approximately a dozen different narrators. While reading this book, students were encouraged to list each character on their bookmarks and to associate him or her with a symbol or simple image. This simple exercise transformed the bookmark into a quick reference to help students stay on track as they read. Again, this should not become a required, graded assignment, but rather a suggested tool to help students.
Bulletin Boards and Posters
Visual reminders are always helpful! Bulletin boards and posters can range from simple reminders of the date of the book club meeting, to interactive places for students and staff to show off their investment in the book and reading process.
Simple promotional poster examples:The House of the Scorpion Poster
Interactive bulletin board examples (both created by Retha Kraay. Contact her at rkraay@district287.org for more information!)
The Living- Get On Board With Reading bulletin board
I Am Number Four- Sign up poster