Book Clubs give readers a chance to have engaging, meaningful, socially satisfying conversations together about a common text of their choosing. They allow readers to take on the social expectations of listening, speaking, and conversational turn-taking while expanding their ability to express ideas using academic language. Book Clubs give readers a space to try on these behaviors with greater independence and ownership over time.
1. Set expectations for participating in a Book Club. Readers are not born knowing how to listen actively, agree and disagree respectfully, build on the ideas of others, and ask questions. These are critical life skills that need to be introduced and practiced regularly. Here are some examples of some principles (taken from The Reading Minilessons Book) that students need to work on before joining a book club:
2. Give a great book talk to introduce Book Club texts. Book talks are quick “commercials” that entice readers to choose one of the books in your book club collection. Book talks build suspense and excitement before reading. Notice how the example from the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom™ Book Club Collection, Grade 3 below asks a provocative question that readers will want to pursue.
4. Get to know the texts in your Book Club Collection. Effective facilitation depends upon your deep understanding of the text, clarity about its key understandings, and your choice of appropriate goals for the group of readers. Readers spend a significant amount of time preparing for monthly book club meetings and your preparation will assure that everyone makes the most of the meeting time. The discussion cards in the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom ™ Book Club Collection summarize the text, identify its message and its important text characteristics, and provide a selection of grade-level appropriate goals for listening, speaking, comprehending, and writing about reading. This information is designed to support your role as a facilitator.
7. Reflect and set goals for talking together. At the end of the discussion, make time for readers to self-evaluate their conversation. Did they come prepared? How well did they take turns? Did they build on each other’s thinking? Did they discuss the most interesting and important aspects of the text? Was everyone’s voice heard? What do they want to work on next time? Set aside time to self-reflect on your role as facilitator, too.
As the year progresses, Book Clubs, alongside the myriad of other opportunities you offer readers to talk about captivating texts each day, has limitless benefits. Readers build connections, learn to value listening, share new thinking, and grow to know and appreciate each other’s unique perspectives. It’s rewarding and exciting to see the individual readers in your classroom grow into a community of learners.