Book clubs are my go-to strategy for engaging students in authentic conversations about reading. It has been my saving grace this year as students have struggled to return to the classroom. Why do I love book clubs so much? Book clubs help put students in the driver seat of their own learning!
I have found no other reading strategy as successful as book clubs to pair reading with student-to-student conversations. Students who are not normally engaged in reading activities begin to read more, share what they are reading and see their progress in reading take off.
Students take ownership of their learning
The best part, my favorite part, is that through book clubs, students begin to take ownership over their learning. It is such a hard transition for many to realize that education is not something that is happening to them, but that they learn when they participate.
Because groups choose their book, plan their schedules and organize their discussion days, they are quick to take ownership of the group and hold each other accountable for the work. Students are excited about what they’ve read and want to discuss the book, so they make sure everyone is following the plan they created together.
Improved conversations about literature
Academic vocabulary is used naturally within general conversation. Students learn how to discuss their books in a natural setting that helps them share ideas, build on the ideas of others, as well as, develop new ideas.
It’s exciting to hear students asking their friend, “did you get to [exciting part] yet” or “oh my gosh can you believe [character] did that?” as they leave class.
Everyone can be successful
Students do not need to be on grade level to be successful with book clubs. Students who need extra help or time to read will be able to seamlessly and successfully engage in book club activities and discussion. This by itself will help all learners achieve.
Because the book itself doesn’t really matter, you can easily differentiate the reading level up or down to meet the needs of the students. Students can easily engage in book clubs at any reading level.
For example, if you have a group of students reading below grade level, they can still participate in book clubs. Since each group has a different book, there’s no obvious way for others to know the reading level of any of the books. The same goes for students reading well above grade level. Students can be reading a higher-level book to meet their individual needs.
Book Clubs are fun!
The first time you hear a student ask to do another round of book clubs your teacher heart will be filled! I encourage you to sit back during a discussion day and just listen to the high academic conversations that are taking place.
If you have never planned a book club it can seem overwhelming at first. I’ve put together a guide that will walk you through all the things you need to think about before, during and after planning a book club unit, Click here to get the book club planning guide.
Yes, book clubs can be a little more work upfront, but the benefits for student learning and growing will make up for the extra work upfront!
