This may not answer all of your questions, but I have a
suggestions for dealing the problem of acquiring/buying
30 books of the same title. Pick a theme, topic, subject
and let each reader choose A BOOK at his or her level,
and when you meet, each reader will have something to
contribute on common ground. This will also encourage readers
to check out books others have read, and will provide lots of
"fodder" for your projects. Many points of view to share,
and you could lead off the discussion with a few general
questions. After that, the group should be able to move
the discussion along with minimal effort on your part.
You could suggest a few essential questions before reading
to set a common purpose and guide readers on what is
important--your focus. Good luck whatever you decide to do.

On 12/30/08, 1st Book Club in School wrote:
> Hi All-I am starting the first book club in my middle
> school (we don't have club time-it is an after school
> club).
>
> I have done some research about book clubs, but most info
> is geared toward adults. I am in touch with our city
> library and they have offered some help (ex. book club sets
> for lending, but quantities are small).
>
> We want to read the same book (so far there are 30
> members-first meeting is next month) so everyone will have
> to buy or borrow a copy. I realize that is a deterrent-we
> are working on 'book scholarships' and hope that as we move
> forward we will figure out how to resolve this issue or
> alter our plan. We will break out into smaller groups. We
> also want to have activities other than book discussion
> (creative writing/art related to the current book,
> published on paper or electronically, social events for the
> whole school).
>
> For middle schoolers, how many pages a week seem
> reasonable, considering regular school assignments?
>
> I was thinking of meeting 2x's a month for an hour-too
> much, too little?
>
> If we do book-related events, how much time should we
> expect to focus on each book?
>
> Any related book club ideas/activities?
>
> Personal experience-success and failures?
>
> Thanks for any input. I am not locked into any goals yet,
> and want to let the kids drive the club.

More | Report Post

Next Post >>

Posts on this thread, including this one