Preschool Book Club

Some big city mayors have some big ideas for preschoolers. Cities like Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Charleston have implemented book clubs for preschoolers. Even if your local mayor has not caught the literary bug, you can still be a part of this growing idea. Help your community jump-start local preschool book clubs.

Talking to your local library would be a smart start. Find out if they have any preschool book clubs, if not; see how you may be a part of beginning the program. Some local fast food restaurants have Tuesday night readings of books for children. Restaurants like McDonalds may be interested in reforming that idea, or starting a new one, with the book club.

One of the easiest and most centered book clubs to start, would be one in your own back yard. Get together friends, family and neighbors, or invite newcomers to stop by, and start your own book club. When starting the club, keep in mind a few key points that will make the book club an unforgettable learning experience, for your little one and you.

Have mom, dad, and other siblings read the chosen book at least a week before the discussion date. At least four reads will make your little guy or girl confident enough to understand, read along with, and discuss the book. To many times may very well burn their attention or desire for the book out.

Keep the number of children in your club to an average minimum, around 4-6 children per home. Remember that when too many children get together there is a natural drive to be social. Socializing is an important part of any book club, but with to many children, the book may not be the center of attention.

When choosing a group to share your book club with, try to find others who compliment your ideas and views. However, you will want to find those who can also add diversity to you and your child's life. If any topics of moral or ethical opinions are off limits, let that be known at the get go. Make sure you all have a clear understanding of what topics your group 'just will not touch.'

Keep the book short. A book that is too wordy or advanced may seem like a good idea to rev up a child's education. However, a child receives more enjoyment and can concentrate more consistently, on a book that has fewer pages and smaller ideas

Use your local library to your benefit. You can preview book ideas, before money is invested on what could be a book club flop. Try to choose books that are not only classics, but new on the shelves. Books that introduce controversial topics should be thought about carefully. Books that encourage manners, grooming habits, and friendship can also be book club and family hits.

Online stores like Amazon have a wide variety of preschool books at new and used pricing. As well, national bookstores like Barnes and Noble have online ordering. Often, these stores have a healthy amount of reduced or clearance book prices. Ebay is another great place to buy books at a great price. For books that are new, used, or even out of print, try smaller online stores like Powell's Bookstore. A book does not have to be at full price to mean it is beneficial. Many online stores are now expanding to allow Paypal payment. Do not forget to contact book suppliers, libraries, or small local stores to find out if you can receive a book club discount.

Many books now come with an audio version. This may help allow preschoolers to hear the story in an animated way. You may also consider allowing the older children in the family to read the book aloud, during the club, to encourage involvement. In addition, allowing the preschoolers to read along can keep their attention and give them a sense of accomplishment.

Take turns hosting the club in member's homes. Plan and make sure you have a set idea for the month-to-month activities of the club.

Name your club to add an extra spark of personality. Allow children to place ideas in a hat and randomly pick one as the name. As well, you could let each child write a three letter word that you can incorporate into one large silly word, to name the club.

Decide the dates of the month and the frequency of the group. Set up a day for the book reading and discussing. Then you may set up another day in that month to create activities or crafts related to the book.

If you do set up an activity/craft day, keep the theme of the book at the center. Allow the children to brainstorm ideas on what to create and why.

Allow time before or after book discussions for a light healthy snack. Heavy food will only make your preschooler tired and likely to miss the best parts of the fun.

You can pick books that have a movie or short cartoon available. You can have the book club on one night and then the movie club that coincides, on a second night. PBS'sArthur series is dedicated to childhood literacy. A majority of their cartoons also have a book that is exact to the cartoon or compliments the story line. Also, poplar Disney movies or characters have lines of books available. These books allow the character to go on more journeys after the movie ends.

Children are natural artist. As a part of book club, or on another date, you may think of having them act out the spotlighted book. If you plan to do so, make sure you pick a book that has enough characters to go around. Being a part of the story on another level will allow the child to internalize the principles of the book better. They may also find they not only have a gift for reading, but also for performing. Props are welcome, and ad- libbing is necessary!

Most importantly make sure the insights and opinions of the children are being taken into account. Encourage discussion by allowing any topics to be open. Remember the rule: there is no such thing as a bad question. Also, remember to allow children to be as silly as they are serious.

Here are a few of the top rated books for preschoolers as well as parent choices of all time favorites. Each book ranges between $2.00-$11.00 new or used.

1. Dr Suess's classic, Green Eggs and Ham. Word play and entertainment take center stage in this family classic. Strong rhyming and bizarre characters keep any child's (and adults) imagination in overdrive.
2. Billy Martin Jr's, Brown Bear, Brown Bear, What do you see? Brown Bear is a popular classic that has been visually revamped. Predictable rhyming allows children to feel confident following along to the next page. The book is filled with lively and unique characters children will enjoy.
3. Erandi's Braids is a colorful book written by Tomie dePaola. A young girl makes the decision to sacrifice her hair to help her mother. dePaola's book introduces different cultures, selflessness, and compassion.
4. Sometimes the title says it all and Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs is as silly, fun, and entertaining as the title. Judi Barret has certainly brought a world of diversity and imagination to life. Children will love to be introduced to the people of CHEWANDSWALLOW, who eat anything that fall from the sky. What kids would not love a sky full of juice, candies, and meatballs? This would be a great book to add fun treats to the reading. For the parent and child, when it comes to silly, there is never a chance to go wrong.
5. Touch and Feel books are enticing to any child. With this type of book, children can easily make crafts that coincide. Children can make crafts out of textures they found around the home or yard. Each child could pick one texture from the book and mimic that in another way. The textures, glued to paper, could then be made into one big book of their own. DK Publishing carries a large line of touch and feels books. One of the leaders in this market, they have books with farm themes, animals, shapes, numbers and more.

A final idea is to take an extra step with your book club. Once a book is read, you can place one copy in a box or safe container. Once you have reached a certain number, possibly around 5, the books can be placed into a time capsule. Bury the capsule in a neutral place and returned to one, five, or ten years down the line. This can be an amazing experience for parent and child alike. You can revisit the fun adventure of book club and the adventure of childhood with one scoop of a shovel.

It really is never to early, or late, to read with your child!