Book Clubs for Kids are All the Rage this Summer
Reading Time: 3 min
We all hear how important summer reading is, but do we all know why?
Researchers have told us for years that children who don’t read during the summer months can lose up to three months of reading progress from the previous school year — which – often has a cumulative, long-term effect. Finding activities that encourage kids to continue reading and learning throughout the summer months is imperative to ensure that reading progress isn’t lost. The trick is to make it fun, and not an extension of the school year. One of our favorite ways to keep kids engaged, is to create a book club. Book clubs not only provide a format to follow for reading, but can also be a great way to incorporate quality time with friends and family.
Here are some ideas to create a book club for kids to keep the children in your life engaged with reading throughout the summer months:
Family Dinner Book Club
This summer, read books as a family! Ideally, the books you choose are age appropriate for the youngest person at the table. If the family chooses a book that is a little too advanced for younger readers, consider teaming up. The youngest child can read with an adult or older sibling to ensure they are included. The book is then discussed over a family dinner - one of the adults can create a list of discussion questions and another family member can create a themed table setting that relates to the book. Harry Potter fans will have fun with this one! Host your dinner book club weekly or monthly depending on the types of books your family prefers.
Create a Book Club Summer Calendar
Create a calendar with different themed books each week. For example, one week can have a superhero graphic novel theme, another week can be a nature theme. Maybe take it a step further and create something totally unexpected like “Halloween week in July” or a “choose your adventure” theme. Keeping it interesting is the best way to keep kids engaged in reading over the summer. Some parents and caregivers like to offer rewards for each completed week. Whatever is best for the child in your life, just remember to keep it fun!
Go on an Online Reading Adventure
Whether your child is a reluctant reader or an avid reader who likes a change of pace, online reading games are a great option. Apps like Lou Adventures encourage a high level of engagement while improving reading comprehension and fluency. Lou adventures takes children on a reading adventure led by Lou the dog. Lou offers clues to advance to the next level building on a sense of accomplishment to create more confident readers.
Create a Book Club Challenge
Get some friends together to create a reading list that challenges each other. After completing each challenge, let them host a small celebration, like a trip to their favorite park, a pizza playdate, or a tea and cupcake party. The key here is to make it attainable but fun, so they may need some parent guidance.
Some ideas to get you started:
• Read a mystery
• Start a new series
• Choose a book for each other
• Read a magazine
• Pick a book based on its color
Create a Bingo Book Club
Together as a family, or with some other children, come up with fun activities that involve reading and create a bingo board. The first person to reach bingo gets a prize!
Lou’s Book Club Bingo Printable
We hope this gives you some fun ways to incorporate reading into your kids’ summer vacation. And if you’re looking for a new adventure in reading, try Lou Adventures’ A Mystery at the Lakehouse. Our very own interactive learning adventure for kids!
