Coming this FALL!

A new category to Bookclub4boys

 Story Time ideas for Preschoolers!

 Book suggestions for Babies

Story Time ideas for Preschoolers! Click HERE

Book Club ideas for beginning readers. (K-1) click HERE





Book club ideas for independent readers (2-3rd grades) click HERE





Book club ideas for Confident readers (4th grade and up) click HERE

Starting this fall I will be teaching preschool and

 I will be sharing Preschool Story Time ideas on Bookclub4boys!

I've taught preschool for many years and have a degree from BYU in Early Childhood Education. If you teach preschool kids be sure to check back often! I will be posting our Story Times and activities- weekly!

If you want to see other preschool ideas, activities etc... click HERE or visit my Preschool Page side bar button.

Thanks for stopping by-- and if you like what you see- don't forget to LIKE us on our side bar! THANKS!

Well- we had our last book club meeting for the summer. You can read all about that HERE
We read a fun series: Weird school by Dan Gutman.

The boys want to continue with book club in the Fall! I couldn't help but smile. Another son, hooked on book clubs. (One point for MOM.)



One tip I've learned- to simplify- is letting the boys read different books in the same series. If I can't get multiple copies of the same book.

 I collect series of books when I shop at thrift stores. So for this summer book club- we just used my stash of books. (That cut out a lot of stress- for me, for other parents, and for the kids.)

You might ask, why does this stress the kids out?
If you rely on parents to find the book club book at the library or wait for it to come from Amazon... the kids feel like they are starting from behind. (Not good for reluctant readers - who will use any excuse NOT TO Read.)

So I always give the book to the boys at book club. They feel great- knowing they are starting at the same time as everyone else.

This summer I kept book club pretty simple.
 (He is my fourth son- so I've learned a lot over these 9 years of hosting book clubs for my boys.)

I encourage you to look around the site- there are lots of ways to make hosting a book club for your child- easy!

Movies that will inspire summer reading!

If you have a reluctant reader, like I do, try using movies to encourage summer reading!
Especially if your child enjoyed Percy Jackson: Lightening Thief!

Aug. 7th the second Percy Jackson book hits the silver screen: Sea of Monsters.

My 10 year old is asking about when does the movie come out and more importantly-

 when can HE see it.

Deep inside, my heart jumped. I thought, "Finally! A story he is interested in!" I suggested he read the book first. (He wasn't too excited about that.) We normally wait to see movies at the dollar theater- so I bribed him... he could see it as soon as he finished the book! Opening night- if he wants!

Follow this link to the movie trailer.

If you have reluctant readers- movies really help them connect to the characters, setting and plot. I have found that watching a trailer or even 10 minutes of the actual movie (on video) helps them set important information in their minds- so as they struggle to read- they still are able to follow the story line. They don't struggle over details in setting, or character descriptions- those things are already firmly implanted, they can just follow the adventure.

 My 10 year old tried to read book 2 after he watched and read book 1- but he got lost a bit. (Too many monsters if you ask me.... ) But after watching the trailer- he is ready to try and tackle the book again.

Another great book for OLDER boys- that is being made into a movie this fall is Ender's Game.

(If you let your child watch Hunger Games- this is similar in intensity.) This movie comes out in November, you can follow this link to see that trailer.

Two great movies coming out- means two great opportunities to get your kids reading!

Summer Book Club

I am plugging along with our Summer book club- be sure to check out my FREE OUTLINES page- where I post all my book club outlines, activities and ideas... for free!

If you are wanting to see a list of books we have done for book club- you can click HERE. There are dozens of books in different reading levels- but I recommend you just browse around and glean some ideas, many of these ideas could be modified to fit books your kids like to read.

(I try to use books and find books that appeal specifically to reluctant readers.)

Don't forget to check out our GIVE AWAY!

I would love for you to "follow" the site on this page- (click HERE) It would be great to know- who comes to visit my blog. (Especially those of you who use and like my blog.)

I hope everyone is having a fun- safe summer!
It's not too late to start a book club- if you are still thinking about it. (lol)

Happy Reading!

Summer Fun and a GIVE AWAY!

 

 



 

 

My kids are staying busy this summer. Our house has looked like a Lego war zone for weeks! It is hours of fun. While I love the creativity, I have to turn a blind eye to the mess. Why aren't Lego's in your bedroom just isn't as fun as Lego's in our living/great room?

 

So anyone who stops by- gets to see and walk into our creativity- explosion! (If they are neighborhood kids they say, "WOW!" and jump in. If they are neighborhood parents they say, "Whoa!" and back out the door. lol)

 

Watching my kids (and the neighborhood kids) creating with legos reminded me of a book.

One family used their sons passion for legos to help them connect to stories.

 

You know how I am always trying to help my sons connect to books.

You know how I always want to spotlight people who have great ideas

 on how to help kids connect to books...

 

 

Follow this link  to learn more about this creative idea and how you

can win a free book!

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!