Any Method to my Maddness?

So we're thinking about starting a book club this summer for our kids. You are on board with me- right?. Then why can sense your moaning and hesitation right now?
yes... it takes a bit of planning
yes... it means coordinating with friends and neighbors
yes.. it's summer and you would rather spend all day at the pool, or beach (boo hoo) let's not bring up sensitive topics.) Or camping, family fun trips, or reunions.. a million other things than having a group of kids at your house, that you have to "entertain".

I get it. 

Really! I am feeling very lazy about this whole project myself. I mean- I've been hosting book clubs for years now... for three boys... I look at these old posts and pictures and think... "Been there done that!" Isn't it time to give myself a big pat on the back?
Isn't it? No
I have four sons. And my youngest who is finishing up first grade, struggles to read. He really wants a book club this summer. (He actually asked me about it!)

And honestly- book clubs work. Each of my sons, having their own book club, really motivated them to read.

So- Your With Me- Right? We can do this!
If you click HERE- I break it down on how to start a book club for your son or daughter.

CLICK HERE TO SEE MY CURRENT SUMMER BOOK CLUB ACTIVITIES- we've started!

If you really are feeling lazy- I have simple book club ideas that require NO major prep. If your book club is for younger kids- try Field Trip type book clubs. (I've done a few- click HERE)

If your book club is for teenagers- try a Movie book club. (Those are fun and simple- click HERE)
If your the type of mom who likes throwing 'theme parties' I've got book clubs ideas for you too.

Really book club meetings can be as simple or complex as you want.
WE really can do this.             (Here my youngest is pictured with his old Hawaii book club gang.)

Don't I know you?

Book Club Round Up    & Book Club Outlines

If you have visited Bookclub4boys before- you might be surprised to see the new look. Don't panic! You are at the right place! If you are looking for ideas on how to start a book club for your reluctant reader- click on the two links above.

I must apologize for the last year, that I fell off the grid.
We moved.
And not just a move- around the corner or over to the next town- I know those are a pain and cause headaches and heartaches...

But our move was from a small island in the middle of the pacific--( Oahu, maybe you have heard of it? Perhaps you have visited?) to UTAH!

It has been a year of major transition.
For the whole family- and some things had to give... and some things had to go.... for me to keep my sanity....this website was abandoned.

I hope you will understand and forgive me.

But I am back!
blogging

The dust has settled.
Summer is quickly approaching and my youngest son (who is now 7 years old) asked me the other day- "So when is my book club?"

I guess he has grown up- watching his older brothers have book clubs and has been patiently waiting for his turn.

I thought- Your right buddy! It's time to start a book club! (Even though, inside- I was feeling a bit rusty. I mean, it is starting over- again! I don't know many people. It is going outside my comfort zone- to ask near strangers, would you be interested in your child participating in a summer book club?)

And I also should disclose: He doesn't look forward to the reading- as much as the book club activities.

I asked, "So what books do you want to read?"

He said, "Do you remember how to make those flying dragons?"

Yes

"That one!"

okay-

"Do you remember those science experiments?"

yep

"I want that one too."

See - he doesn't know the books his brothers read, but he remembers the fun activities we did.
So if you have a reluctant reader... boy or girl... browse around. You'll find some good ideas.

And let's plan a book club for this summer- together!

Please be patient with the blogsite- when you are redirected to the other pages, not all the links are working yet. (After being dormant for a year- some things got goofed up.) The new template- with working links should be up and running by the end of the month!

Reluctant Readers

There is much more to read in the world than just books! In fact, your son might be reading more than you realize. Just because he doesn't dedicate himself to reading a lengthy novel doesn't mean he hates reading. Some other ideas to "spice things up":

Kid-friendly magazines. Magazines are less intimidating for reluctant readers because they have lots of pictures and shorter articles. If your son loves animals, he's sure to love Ranger Rick. Sports fans will enjoy Sports Illustrated for kids.

Recipes. Get him helping in the kitchen; he'll find it hard to refuse the invitation when he knows he'll be rewarded with a warm, gooey cookie afterwards!Computer games with written dialogue. Look for games that require reading to play.

Directions. Print out road directions and let your son navigate!

Computer game/ cheat guides. If your son has a favorite game see if there is a guide that reveals hidden secrets and "cheats". What better way to practice comprehension? Your son will apply what he has read to get the reward while playing his game. (Remember: it doesn't matter what they read. The trick is to get them to read.)

Joke books provide hours of entertainment for boys, who often end up laughing so hard they don't even realize they're reading!

Magic trick books

Scavenger hunts, treasure hunts...when you start getting creative, you'll find that everyday reading opportunities are endless!

What to do for older boys with lower reading levels?

This is a common challenge. Older boys don't want to read "baby books" that are closer to their reading level, but often the books that interest them are just too hard to read. One of my sons had this problem until a family member gave us a subscription to Ranger Rick. He loved the articles, which were short enough that he could read them without getting frustrated, and all the great pictures kept his attention. Check out our side bar for a link to some great kid friendly magazines!

How are Bookclub4boys Outlines Different?

Learn More about Bookclub4boys Outlines:
In a national survey conducted by the Young Adult Library Services Association in 2001, boys reported their top obstacles to reading.

39% said it was boring/no fun
29% said they had no time/were too busy
11% said they would rather do something else
8% said they couldn’t get into the stories
4% admitted they weren’t good at it

Book Club For Boys will address each of these obstacles and help channel your boy's creative energy in a fun, productive, educational way!



"Boring/No fun"? Our outlines are packed with activities, so fun is the focus!





"No time" or "would rather be doing something else?" Our outlines provide great incentive games to reward boys who put the time into reading the book. (For example, begin by asking the boys questions about the book. For each question answered correctly, the boys earn a water balloon for the upcoming water balloon fight!)



"Can't get into the stories"? Try our special Movie Book Clubs. Sometimes boys with shorter attention spans or slower reading skills struggle to get into the story, but if they watch even the first 20 minutes of the movie first, they connect with the characters. Then, they can relate to the setting and feel motivated to read the book.



"Not good at it"? The more he reads, the better he will get at reading! We offer a number of helpful ideas and tips of how parents can help their sons read. To learn more about me , my family and maybe some additional tips on motivating boys click HERE.

IF you would like to check out other book club groups and see their ideas, head over to our Book Club Round UP page.
If you host a book club, reading group, or story time and would like to be spotlighted- click HERE for more information.