Reading and discussing books with kids and teens is one of my favorite things. When I was a classroom teacher, my students and I held book discussions daily. I used their discussion questions (much like my favorite college professor did in his classes) to center our conversations around their interests and ideas. Now, as an online teacher, I often read and discuss books with the students I tutor. I miss the group setting, so I’m excited to bring Creative ELA Book Clubs into our Creative ELA Membership!

Creative ELA Book Clubs

Creative ELA Book Clubs invite students to read, write about, and discuss a new book each month. What books will we read?? That’s up to Creative ELA members!

Creative ELA Book Clubs offer students a unique experience. Like our creative writing workshops, their interests, choices, and ideas matter. Not only are students participants, but they’re also invited to lead our discussions.

In a Creative ELA Book Club, students-

• recommend books and vote on which books we’ll read
• create and bring discussion questions with them to class to help lead our conversation
• use creative writing to connect to the reading
• share their ideas
• have a lot of fun!

Typical Book Club Agenda

• Welcome Activity/Game
• Discussion Questions and Conversation
• Creative Writing Prompts
• Time to Share
• Preview to next month’s book
• Closing

When-Where-Who?

When– Book clubs meet- June 12th, July 17th, and August 14th.

12-1 pm EST for ages 8-11 and 2-3 pm EST for ages 12-15.

Fall dates and times TBA

Where– We meet on Zoom. Pjs and pets are welcome!

Who– Creative ELA is designed for homeschoolers, but schoolers are always welcome!

Bookworms is for 8-11-year-olds, and Bibliophiles is for 12-15-year-olds.

What Books Are You Reading?

Members will choose books in March and April, and a list will be released in May. If you want to vote, be sure to become a member.

Bookworms- June- TBA

Bibliophiles- June- TBA

Bookworms- July- TBA

Bibliophiles- July- TBA

Bookworms- August- TBA

Bibliophiles- August- TBA

FAQ

What if my student hates to read?

I work with a lot of kids who hate to read. I’ve found book clubs, much like creative writing does for writers, can make reading much less painful. I encourage you to choose a book from the list you think they’d enjoy, read it to them, or let them listen, and then have them join. They will not be forced to participate and are welcome to discuss what they didn’t like about the book.

What if my student hated the book this month?

I hope they join us so we can discuss what they didn’t like and why. Chances are others felt the same way. Our opinions can lead to great discussions!

Do participants need to have the book with them?

Ideally, yes, so we can look for details and quotes to help our discussion, but it’s okay if not.

Does my student have to bring a discussion question?

Nope. I’ll have plenty to help supplement the discussion. They’re also welcome to come up with one in class. Having one ahead of time is optional.

My student didn’t finish the book. Can they still attend?

Absolutely, but they should be prepared for spoilers.

Are book clubs recorded?

They are not.

My child is 11 but wants to read the older club’s book.

You know your child best. Pick the book club that works best for them.

If you are a Creative ELA member, please head to your member page to add book recommendations!! Voting will take place at the end of April.

If you are not a Creative ELA member, this is just one of the many perks of your membership! Head here to learn more, or jump in and join us! You can cancel anytime.