Book Club 4 Boys Round Up

Fall Play~ The Lost Tablet

2011-10-07T21:04:00.000-07:00

This year's school Fall Play-in-a-Week was amazing. Over the summer- I challenged a group of (soon to be) 8th graders to write the script. I gave them a loose idea to base the play on:
(Inspired by the popularity of Percy Jackson) I started their wheels rolling when I described the premis.

Ares, the god of war, broke the tablet of Peace into pieces and hid them around the world. The Muses (from hercules cartoon) challenge the children at Laie Elementary school to gather the pieces and be hero's restoring the tablet of Peace.

Each teenager was assignted to write one scene of the play. They had to pick a location that the Laie kids would have to goto and come up with some kind of conflict the kids would over come to get a piece of the tablet.

They took my challenge to heart. They organized a writing circle to work on the script! They thought the pieces should be hidden at the 7 wonders of the ancient world. They came up with an amazing play! Each scene so clever and unique.

Laie Elementary kids had to confront Nile crocodiles, Egyptians and skeletons. They had to challenge the goddess Arese, and Zeus.

It really is amazing what can be accomplished in a week! I organize the play each year - but it would be impossible to do alone. No one can do everything, but everyone can do some small thing. And when you have a handful of mom's and an army of teenagers, it all gets done in 5 days! (We had 26 high schoolers volunteer to help- make costumes, be group leaders, design sets, teach dances.)

It was a great week!

Winners!

2011-09-30T08:02:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to the following:

Amanda Sellers

wins the book club starter kit!

Patti Barker

wins the $40 Amazon gift card

Gwen Keeble

wins the Kindle!

to claim your prize,

please email me at Bookclub4boys(at)yahoo(d0t)com

with your

mailing address

(You have one week to claim your prize!)

If you didn't win- don't fret!

From time to time we get FREE books we give-away to our

Book Club Round UP buddies and your

name is automatically in the drawing!

Boys Rock by Phyllis Naylor

2011-09-29T12:06:00.000-07:00

Really great series for book clubs with girls and boys.

Phyllis Reynolds Naylor is the author of the classic SHILOH, which we loved as a book club. (You can see our book club ideas for SHILOH HERE.)

This month our book club has taken a new format.

I was asked to hold my book club at newly opening charter school in our community.

So we are going to try this out.

I don't know how many kids are going to show up. But I am expecting a mixed crowd- of boys and girls- as well as a range of reading levels.

We are going to meet every Thursday for an hour.

I plan we will read the book out-loud. (round robin format) and then work on an activity.

I picked this story: from the series, because the story has a mystery/but also about working on a newspaper together. I thought that would be a fun activity our group can work on together as well. (so a little something for everyone.)

Crossing fingers!

KINDLE Give-Away!

2011-08-04T20:15:00.000-07:00

In celebration of BACK to SCHOOL and back to BOOK CLUBS for our family---
----------------------------- I am having a giving away!

Prizes are:

1. (one) Book Club starter Kit!

(A book, item for an activity, and Book Club Outline of games to play, questions, and snack ideas.)

2. (one) $40 Amazon Gift Certificate

3. (one) Kindle from Amazon.com

To enter the drawing simply...

1. Join our Book club round up! Not only will this enter you in this give-away... but all future give-aways!

AND "Join" as a member (the Join box is at the bottom of side bar)
_________________________________This is one entry in the give away____

To earn extra entries you can....
2. Grab a button and post it on your blog side bar!
3. Blog about the give-away! (be sure to email me a link to your post at bookclub4boys(at)yahoo.com)

4. If you host a book club--- and share YOUR ideas on our site--- I'll give you and extra entry for each book club idea! (email: bookclub4boys(at)yahoo.com, Include a short summary of the book, tell me the author and your book club ideas. (games, activities, food, etc...) If you can, include a picture of your book club!)

Naturally- I will check if you blog about it, or post a button... so be sure you email me a link to your blog, if you do!

WINNERS will be posted and NOTIFIED by email by September 30th 2011!

Happy reading

and Good Luck!

Lawn Boy by Gary Paulsen

2011-05-13T17:45:00.000-07:00

Grade 4-6

Since the coming of Spring, my older boys have dusted off the old lawn mower and have started tackling our back yard. They look forward to Summer around the corner and the prospects of earning some extra cash- from mowing lawns in our neighborhood.

So when I saw this book, I suspected they could relate to the twelve year old in this story- learning a quick lesson in supply and demand and how to start up his own lawn mowing business.

Gary Paulsen takes an ordinary summer "lawn mowing" job and turns it into a fun adventure as this young entrepreneur builds his business. One of his clients is an e-stock trader and makes some solid investments. It's a rags to riches kind of story. My 11 year old enjoyed this book-
not only is the content is of high interest but also .. it was a fun short read! Only 88 pages long!
(Great size for Reluctant Readers!)

Both my boys are now eagerly working on their Boy Scout Entrepreneur Merit Badge!
I really love finding books- that go hand in hand with Scouting! Besides learning about the ins and outs to starting your own business, they get to interview an entrepreneur. The BIG project for this merit badge, is to start your own business and run it for at least a month... my boys were planning on doing this anyway this summer, so why not set up a lawn mowing business up right? and get one merit badge closer to eagle along the way?

We haven't read the Lawn Boy Returns yet. I was thrilled to see a sequel to this great story

It's a New Month!

2011-04-04T14:24:00.000-07:00

So- It's a new month! We just went to the movies Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2. The kids had a blast. They thought the movie was better than the book. (I think going to a movie with your friends, is more fun that reading a book in their minds.) But that is okay. They are still young and impressionable! Last month I was lucky- both my 8 year old and my 11 year old wanted to read Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2) So book club was easy peasy. My 11 year old is still selecting his book for this month. (He might have told me- I just can't remember right now... My 8 year old REALLY liked reading a book that relates to a movie- so he picked How to Eat Fried Worms as his next selection.

My older son read this book a few years ago-- so I have ideas already posted about this book.

You can click HERE to see our past ideas... I might change this up this time around!

It's NOT too late!

2011-03-07T11:57:00.000-08:00

It's not too late to start a SUPER EASY book club this month!
March 25th : the movie Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2 comes out.
See official site HErE

My boys really enjoy this series! My second son has read the complete series... while my third son is plugging along in this book.. hoping to finish it by book club. If he finishes the book by book club... (I pay for the movie and popcorn and such.) If he doesn't... he still gets to go.. but he has to pay for it. The race is on!

I love and hate Movie/Book Clubs.

I love : that they are so super easy to host and motivate.
I hate: that we are limited to "what's coming to the theater" mentally. There are so many GREAT and Wonderful books that have been made into movies.... why narrow the playing field so much??

but I have to remind myself.
"Just be happy they are reading!"

that's the goal.... right?

Fresh Frog Idea

2011-03-01T04:31:00.000-08:00

I did a Frog Story time last year-
You can see my ideas here

I just had to share this adorable
activity my sister shared on her blog-
with frogs and flies (or raisins in this case)

You can read about her "friends preschool" group on her site : HERE

Some of her other ideas-
Include playing "Hop Froggy" - which is a modified version of the game Hot Potato and a stuffed animal frog.

Also- letting the kids pretend to jump from lily pads , by placing pillows on the floor for them to hop to and from.

There is a really cute series of books about a little frog.

This book just happens to be about when Froggy Learns to Swim, but they have seasonal ones and ones about Going to School and being friends and such. My son likes them, because they have parts where I have to come up with sound effects. (Like zippers zipping and him hopping, etc.. )

They are cute- curl up together and - read aloud books.

Let your Child be the author!

2011-02-08T23:16:00.000-08:00

Click here to view this photo book larger

I didn't delete the book- I don't know why it says that! But if you click on the link above- it will let you see it.

We went to the zoo and I took a million pictures.
My 5 year old is very much into animals and learning about animals and hoping that one day he too can be a rescue hero like "Go Diego".

I then went to Shutterfly - downloaded my pictures.

Asked the boys to help me write the captions in the book.
And now we are happily awaiting a book about our family going to the zoo!

Way Cool!

2011-02-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

I don't know if you know this about me--

but I am a BIG FAN of

Tshirts for Book Clubs!

I think it helps with the "Club" feel and unity.

The boys have a sense of... "yeah.. I'm in a club... and it's cool! even if it is a book club"

I've made them....

We've made them... as a club activity....

I've designed them and had them made in the past....

But I think this year...

I think this year... I am just going to buy them.

Can you see how adorable -- (scratch that-)

I mean... HOW COOL these shirts are???

I feel very lucky that BOTH my middle sons (ages 8 and 11)- have picked Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules for their book club. (Means a little less work for me.)

So we are grouping their clubs together and will go see the movie together. (It comes out in theaters in March!)

There is plenty of time-- to pick up copies of this book-- and organize a book club for your boy!
(and trust me: Movie/Book clubs are easy- peasy! Have the kids read the book, take them to the movie. Simple!)

Won't we be a sight to see... trooping into the theater-- all those boys in Book Club T-shirts!

I'm sorry- that shirt is just adorable.
So stop thinking about it and-- go and Do!

and if you host book clubs...
email me at bookclub4boys(at)yahoo.com and share what books YOUR club has enjoyed!

Pete's a Pizza Story Time

2011-02-01T17:28:00.000-08:00

My oldest son is hosting another story time for his youngest brother.
(He is a Boy Scout working on his READING Merit Badge.)

These are the books I've pulled from our library and our local library for this story time.

I was trying to find- easy to read aloud stories for my 14 year old.

( I don't want HIM to get bogged down with alot of written words, while reading aloud. He has a low attention span too.)

I figured if I pull a selection of books- he can look them over and pick the ones he wants to read. These all have the under lying theme of feelings (specifically anger or disappointment) and how different people (animals) deal with those feelings.

This is a silly and fun book. (easy to read aloud) about a boy, Pete, who is grumpy that it is raining...and he can't play outside with friends. His dad decides to make him into a pizza.

(For our activity: each boy got to make his own mini pizza.)

Poor poor llama is grocery shopping with his mama- but he is done. When he throws a tantrum in the shopping card, patient mama helps him cool down. (I am sure none of our little guys can relate to this! LOL)

Our boys love dinosaurs- and this one is about a mine-o-saur. Who never shares his toys. But when he realizes... all he really wants are friends, he's willing to share.

There are so many benefits to having my oldest son be the reader at Story Time. (Besides building his own reading and reading aloud skills.) He's building a bond with his younger brother.

He's a positive role model for these little guys and helping them enjoy books.

And building self esteem in his younger brother.

Can't you just see- he feels like a million bucks that his cool BIG brother wants to do "book club" with him~!

New Recruit!

2011-01-30T22:27:00.000-08:00

Okay-
This has got to be THE BEST IDEA I have had YET!

My oldest is working on Merit Badges with the Boy Scout program.
(Thankfully - his 6th grade teacher is a Merit Badge Counselor for the READING merit badge.)
I saw her the other day and she reminded me that my son had completed half the requirements in 6th grade all he needs to do to finish is do 3 hours of service. He had the choice of volunteering at the library for 3 hours or reading to young children for 3 hours.)

At first he wasn't interested in either.
I helped him see... how FUN it would be to read and host a story time for his younger brother.

We all know the importance of male role models- especially in reading.

He didn't see himself as a role model.

But he willingly agreed to do one- to try it out.

First we invited all the neighborhood boys about 5 years old. (asked them to bring flashlights.)
Turn the lights out and let the kids play with their flash lights and making shadows with their fingers. (while you wait for everyone to arrive.)

My oldest son read William and the Magic Ring.
It is a really neat twist on bedtime stories-- the pictures-- if you hold a flashlight- cast shadows on your wall...
It's a family favorite and is great for big crowds.. three of my sons sleep in one room and no one ever has to struggle to see the images.

Next he read The Spooky Old Tree.

It's a simple to read book about three little bears going out at night for a flashlight adventure!
After the story, my son took our little fellas outside for a flash light walk of their own.

(Disregard the Santa wreath on the door: I know it is almost February- I keep forgetting to take it down!)

The boys had a blast!
My oldest son thought it was fun too--
the little guys were so well behaved... and so attentive!

I am thrilled my scouter has agreed to host a book club for my 5 year old! He has to do it 11 more times... to earn his Reading Merit Badge.

So I say... if you are struggling to find reading male role models for your sons... why not ask your local Boy Scout troop? They might have a boy interested in earning his Reading Merit Badge!

Trip down MEMORY lane

2011-01-24T11:49:00.000-08:00

Here is my oldest son and one of his best friends.
This was taken at a church camp out-- where they FIRST MET!

(We had just moved to Hawaii and they were turning 8.)

This friend has been in the book club from the get-go.

Both VERY reluctant readers.

Oh- the struggles and rounds we use to fight- to get our nightly reading done...
I am so glad those days are over....

I had started a book club on the main land- when my oldest was just in first grade. It was fun and seemed to be a step in the right direction.... and then we moved.

I wondered if I would be able to reconstruct a book club- when we didn't know a soul in Hawaii. How would I find boys to be in it?

Would parents trust their sons to come over to our house- without really knowing us?

Starting a Book Club was actually a great way to meet the boys in the community.

(at the time - we didn't live in a neighborhood.

We lived across from the beach- on a very busy road.

I know- I will get no sympathy on that part of the story. :0)

So the boys- had ample of time in the ocean-

but not many opportunities to meet and mingle with kids next door.)

So I made invitations and bought the copies of our first book.

My son and I drove around- delivering the books to boys from school and church.

The parents were very willing to send their boys to my house

for a few hours on a Friday night. The boys were less excited

when they found out it was for a BOOK CLUB....

The trap was set.

I knew I had to make our first book club- extra fun and appealing.

Even my son (who had been in a book club) was skeptical.

(a little nervous about making new friends.)

It was a simple Pizza Party

I think I had a super soaker- and I asked the kids questions...

they got blasted if they answered wrong...

We played a chase game- I had modified from the story.

The kids had a blast and when parents came to pick them up-

they eagerly asked...

"We get to do this again next month?.... COOL!"

My son now is a regular reader.

I do have to supply the macho- appealing books.

He moans and groans if it is required reading for English.

But he can read, and does read for enjoyment.

MISSION: ACCOMPLISHED!

This next phase is fun.

He is a Boy Scout and is working on his Reading Merit Badge.

Thanks for walking down memory lane with me-

Three Little Bears

2011-01-15T05:28:00.000-08:00

I love the Fairy Tale/ Nursery Rymne Play group - from Pokemama.

She shares her ideas HERE on her blog

I love she invited all the kids to bring a teddy bear from home.
They made bear dens (with blankets)
and had oatmeal cookies.

You could also read or sing- Teddy Bear Picnic
and Going on a Bear Hunt.

Adorable ideas!
Thanks for sharing!

Charlatan's Boy!

2011-01-06T18:59:00.000-08:00

Grady is an orphan whose only "family" is a crook and a liar. A traveling salesman by the name of Professor Floyd. Set in a time of buggy traveling salesmen- Grady serves as a side-show or side-kick (depending on their angle) to earn a few coppers. You never know how they'll be received from town to town. This story follows their adventures and Grady's yearning to find out where he came from and where he fits in the world.
Oh- and another thing you should know-
Grady thinks he's a real live Freechie!

Click here to learn more about Freechie's from the author himself!

This truly is a delightful tale with homespun humor and insight.

To prepare our book club- of reluctant readers- I showed some highlights from the movie
Pete's Dragon.

I wanted to introduce the idea of a traveling salesman and introduce them to the "Southern Hospitality"

FREE Charlatan's Boy Book Club Invitation Bookmark-
Click HERE!

Instead of adding all the questions on the blog- I made a tri-fold book mark.
YOU CAN CLICK HERE and HERE
(Make sure you print BOTH the inside and outside of the bookmark.)
I passed out to the kids to use while they read the book.

(This helped with the discussion- on book club day.)

Congratulations to

T, Garret, Zack, ehobson and Henry!

They joined our Book Club Round Up and won FREE Copies of this book with poster!
(If you would like to be entered in future give aways- go to our Round UP page and sign up today!)

Jack and the Bean Stalk

2011-01-02T05:17:00.000-08:00

Another Fairy Tale idea from Pokemama.

You can see her play group in action HERE

I love how simple she makes- connecting preschoolers to stories!

She read two versions of the book and had the kids help but saying fee fi fo fum

She modified the song: Once there was a Snowman... to Once there was a Bean Stalk

She applied some science/nature- by planting seeds..

She added some math skills- by having the kids make a graph using different color jelly beans

Well done!

Thanks so much for sharing your ideas-

if you would like to share your ideas-

simply email me at bookclub4boys(at)yahoo.com

We'd love to see what your book club or preschool group activities!

Elves and the Shoe Maker Story Time idea

2010-12-05T04:59:00.000-08:00

Pokemama has another fun preschool story time idea. This time sharing some traditional Fairy Tales.

When I think of elves - I think Christmas. I was glad she reminded me of this fairy tale The Elves and the Shoe Maker.

They read the story, played a matching game- by pairing up shoes, then laced some cereal on string. She also suggests you could do some lacing activities.

So cute!

A Give Away!!

2010-12-02T17:18:00.000-08:00

Don't you LOVE free stuff?
Especially a great book?

350 pages this young adult book is a delightful romp in a swamp read.

Grady is an orphan whose only "family" is a crook and a liar. A traveling salesman by the name of Professor Floyd. Set in a time of buggy traveling salesman, Grady serves as side-show or side kick (depending on their angle) to earn a few coppers. You never know how they'll be received from town to town. This story follows their adventures and Grady's yearning to find out where he came from and where he fits in the world.

Jonathan Rogers is a master story-teller and The Charlatan's Boy is sure to be a "classic". (HONEST) He weaves a delightful tale with homespun humor and insight.

De-light to read...

I would say it is a FAST read... except... I found myself actually reading it slow... not wanting to miss any of Grady's witt and humor.

OH- there's one more thing you have to know about Grady: He thinks he is a real life Feechie.

Click HERE to learn what Feechies are from Jonathan Rogers blog.

Our book club is finishing this book up-

I'll post our book club ideas next week.

Now: How YOU can get YOUR OWN FREE copy of this great book!

THREE ways to get your name in the drawing...

1. Join our Book Club Round Up- you will be entered in the Give Away (and any future give aways) Simply fill out the form above.

2. If you have blog: grab a Bookclub4boys button from my side bar... and post it on YOUR blog side bar. Then blog about this give-away.... (easy peasy)

3. Facebook and tell all your friends about this give away... simply mention.. www.bookclub4boys.com on your face book- they'll link to my site!

BE SURE TO COME BACK HERE AND POST HOW YOU ENTERED~

(especially if you blog or facebook about it~)

Don't miss- a truly original and great read- and a chance to get a copy FREE!

The Prophet of Yonwood (City of Ember 3)

2010-12-01T13:43:00.000-08:00

I've got to commend Carl and his book club- they know how to stick with a series!
This is their THIRD book club on this series!
If you would like to see his book club posting- visit HERE

I love Carl's description of his energy game- to start the book club off.
A game he calls, "Hide the Bomb".

"Since this book talks a lot about terrorists and world-wide war, we divided the guys into Terrorists and Agents. The Terrorist hid a picture of a bomb in the room and the Agent had 2 minutes to find it. A lot of the Agents found the bomb (note to players: laughing when an Agent gets near your bomb is a sure giveaway!) but the Terrorists got smarter and sneakier with each round. Everyone got a chance to be an Agent and Terrorist, even me. A lot of fun."

Our book club only read the first book. A few boys went on to read the whole series, a few decided to stop. Personally- I really enjoyed the first book. The second book- I liked less.

I really liked the mystery of trying to figure out where they were..(in the first book) But I don't really enjoy futuristic /atomic bomb destroyed the planet kind of story lines. Alot of people do- so Thank you Carl for reviewing a series I would have left unexplored.

And like I said- I had some boys that really enjoyed them.

Gift Ideas

2010-11-26T14:03:00.000-08:00

I hate when people jump to Christmas-- when Thanksgiving isn't even here yet.
But some of you might be tempted to wake early on Friday-- and join the hustle to get gifts.

Last year- my husband and I decided to just shop on-line and miss the crowds all together. It was more relaxing. ( We live kinda far from shopping so while browsing and stores is fun for some- the trek to town to go shopping was an ordeal. )

Anyway - the problem with shopping on line is - you have to know what you are looking for.
So

Here are some family favorites- if you have boys
Be sure to check out my book club Amazon shop for ideas of books, stocking stuffer, and such.
That can be found
HERE- or by clicking HERE

One Cute Family Tradition

2010-11-15T23:32:00.000-08:00

My sister's in-laws have a annual Turkey shoot.

They wake up early to stuff a real turkey and after they stuff themselves in the afternoon...

they stuff brown paper bags and make turkeys for their hunt.

They use bow and arrows, darts, bb guns etc..

Her mother-in-law boasts.. they have killed many a brown paper bag turkey in their day.

I love that the aunts and uncles join in on the fun too.

They are a very creative family who enjoy silly simple fun.

Some Cute Printables

2010-11-11T23:15:00.000-08:00

Okay- following my own advice
I went to www.familyfun.go.com
and found some cute print-ables!

Reading list printable- click HERE
You could use this chart and help your reluctant reader set a goal.
Read this many books and then .... decide on the reward together.

I remember when Strawberry Shortcake was all the rage and I really really really wanted one.
My father had made "a deal" with me.

If I read this really huge (probably 100 page) book he would buy me one. It's funny- I don't remember what the book was about,
I don't remember which doll I bought...
I remember.....
1. Struggling to read the book
2. the car ride with my dad - on our way to the store
3. and how I felt.
I was sooooo excited, I couldn't contain myself
and I was soo happy= my dad was proud of me- I thought that was pretty cool.

Nothing But the Truth- recommendation

2010-11-08T18:57:00.000-08:00

This recommendation is by Pokemama.
I have not read this book-- but it sounds interesting!

Nothing But the Truth by Avi (She admits she just read it because her son was reading it in school.)
She recommends it for ages 11-13 years olds.

Summary:
It's about a kid who loves track.
He can't try out for the team because he is getting a low grade in English.
He doesn't like the English teacher.
So when he is in her homeroom - he starts humming the national anthem during morning announcements. He knows the rule is to be quiet and he knows it bugs her. He ends up getting sent out of class for being disrespectful, and gets suspended because he wont apologize.

THEN the word gets out that he was suspended for singing the national anthem. It is in his town paper, and all across the US. Talk shows are talking about it. .People are calling in saying his teacher should be fired.

I wont tell you the ending... but there are many themes to discuss. The story makes a point about sometimes you need to 'go along to get along'.
Finding win-win resolutions as opposed to lose-lose. (The track coach tries to tell him- even in sports there are rules you have to conform to...)

Besides the interesting plot- the story unfolds with different points of views. Part of the story is through his journal, some are conversations with is classmates, letters from the teacher to her sister, and memos from the Principal.

Thanks for the book recommendation Pokemama!
This style of writing reminds me a little of
The Homework Machine by Dan Gutman.
I've found with my own reluctant readers -- these changing points of view are challenging to follow.

Having said that, I want to add, this type of writing style adds dimensions to the story that appeal to many kids. It makes the reader more active in the story. They enjoy piecing the plot together as the story unfolds for characters and reader alike.

Thinking to Thank

2010-11-04T22:45:00.000-07:00

I love November
for lots of reasons...
to mention a few...
My birthday, fall leaves, cooler weather, and Thanksgiving!

We've had this Thanksgiving picture book for years... I love the sweet illustrations and the story of the first Thanksgiving.

I try to sit the boys down and read this every year.

This is just a cute turkey count down book.

I don't have this one... yet. :0)
I have The Night before Christmas, and Halloween... I think I need to add this to the collection.
My kids enjoy the variations to the traditional Christmas version.

If you are a mom- who wishes she was more creative-- treat yourself to a year subscription to

They always have amazingly fun ideas each month.
With a wide range -- ( some simple ideas... to more complex.)
Something for everyone.

One April Fools some simple ideas were:
remove the drawers from the dressers and replace in a different order. (simple)
put a drop of food coloring inside each cup... then when you pour milk it will turn each cup a different color milk! (magically simple)

My kids thought I was amazing--- my husband thought I was looney,

I changed his drawers then jumped back in bed pretending to still be asleep. He got out of the shower.. and was stumped for a few seconds.. until I started giggling.

This is a GREAT GIFT IDEA
Especially if you are a sleep deprived mama.
(My sister gave me a subscription when I had just two small kids.. and felt like a zombie-- but still wanted to create fun memories. But it is hard to think of cute/fun activities -- when all you can think about is crawling back in bed.)

They also have a website- www.familyfun.go.com but I still prefer the magazine.
But check them out for some Thanksgiving crafts.

People of Sparks

2010-11-01T13:38:00.000-07:00

True to his word- Carl held a follow up book club with his City of Ember fans.

People of Sparks is the second book in this series.
You can see his complete book club post HERE

I love the activity of designing a flag-

Carl - you are a creative man.

Thanks again for sharing your great ideas!~

Reaching Reluctant Readers

2010-10-26T13:05:00.000-07:00

It seems like- we've hit a brick wall lately.

My oldest son use to comply with whatever book I pulled out for our book clubs. (The book club itself was motivation enough.)

Now he is being more selective. My little "incentives" aren't enough motivation to help him plow through a book. He wants to read literature that compels him.

Don't we all?

Maybe your Reluctant Reader has a similar hang up on reading.

The solution can be found with a little research.

What does your child like to do? What are their hobbies?

(Besides video games and TV.)

If those are his two top hobbies- it's time for a little intervention.

Don't get me wrong- our family gets in this rut.

Sometimes TV is a nice get-away.

When life is crazy and busy - it's nice to just sit down with the family with some brain numbing entertainment -

laugh and pass popcorn and not have to be the "Activities Director" running around making sure everyone is on task,

and engaged in something worthwhile

and educational.

Believe me- I get it.

But if this rut- is your normal lifestyle why not change things up?

Challenge your family to go without TV and video games for a week.

(Be sure for your sanity and their enjoyment you have other activities available.

Some suggestions are:

books & kid magazines,

puzzles,

musical instrument they can learn,

a list of outside activities they can do,

board games,

card games

scout program to work on,

crayons & markers & paper

After a week- what activities did your kids enjoy?

Did they pull out their old Dinosaurs?

Did they prefer the Lego's and invent things?

Did they go outside and play?

(WARNING: SHARE your goal with your neighbors so your kids don't just run next door and plunk in front of their TV.)

Once you know their interests- you have a great place to start.

New Look?

2010-10-25T04:13:00.000-07:00

Hello Friends

I am playing with the idea- of

changing the look around Bookclub4boys.com.

But I would like to get your input-

YOU use it too...

What would make this site more helpful and user-friendly?

I have a sample of the new design I am thinking of

you can see it HERE.

Let me know what you think!

I have a book give-away coming up next month.

I'm not sure how many copies of the book the publishers are giving me-- but for some added incentive

One free copy will go to someone for their input on the new site design.

A few Shout Outs!

2010-10-20T11:53:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to ....
Literacy tool box- she won a free copy of The Chocolate Touch for her book club! {Click HERE to see our free Chocolate Touch book club outline.}

{click on HERE} to read her ideas about starting a Father/Son Book club!
There are so many benefits to adding fathers to a boys book club.
Boys will thrive as they pair up with strong reading role models, be it a father, big brother, Uncle, or Grandfather.

My oldest is a teenager now- and I have noticed our relationship changing.
Where once I was the center of his universe/ his confidant/ his comforter... now he waits until dad comes home from work to relate the events of the day. To talk things over with his dad. I'll admit- growing up as a boy... is different than growing up as a girl.

(For example - Did you know getting your pants pulled down at recess is a common prank boys do to each other? A few years ago my boys asked (at the dinner table) to switch from tighty-whitey underwear... to boxers because it happens less if you wear boxers. I was mortified when I heard this goes on! I was ready to storm the school office and demand this be put to a stop. But my husband shrugged his shoulders and said in a ho-hum manner, "It happens... just buy boxers". I was traumatized for the next week... at the thought... what if I had to go through out my day- worried someone would try to pull my pants down? It would be hard to focus on school work much less anything else.)

That was bit of a tangent- but just one small example of how growing up a girl is different than a boy.

GUYS READ. com is also a big promoter of male role models in reading and encouraging men to step up. There actually might be a GuysRead program in your area. You can check out his site to see.

Some guys might be hessitant to be a reading role model- maybe they are not the best reader themselves? I'll admit, it wasn't until I was a mom that I felt comfortable reading aloud. I remember thinking... "gee I am glad kids start as babies- and enjoy baby books first." It is a talent that I am still working on. (My kids get frustrated because I can only read a chapter or two - before my mouth gets dry and I have a sore throat.)

If you worry about that- then practice the book first.
We all read aloud better -when we are familiar with the story.
Read the picture book to yourself first... while your son is brushing his teeth... and getting pajamas on ... and then read it aloud together.

Talk about building memories your kids will treasure their lifetime!
My husband doesn't read stories at night- but he tells the kids stories from his childhood.
I think that is a great idea too. (And a different talent- Story telling).

Again--
Great job Literacy Tool Box for sharing the idea of a Father & Son book club!

If you have any reading tips and ideas please email me at Bookclub4boys(at)yahoo.com. I'll share them on the site!

Halloween Ideas

2010-10-14T13:46:00.001-07:00

Hey Round UP-
Okay
Halloween is around the corner- and I have to share a book I just picked up.

(Not that you would want the movie too-- but I always get a little giddy when there is a video that goes along with the book. You can read HERE- why I love movies so much to help reluctant readers connect to books.)

It's a classic who-done-it, that takes place around Halloween!
I picked it up because of the rave reviews on Amazon- and I love a good mystery!

If you like the game Clue- this story is full of characters -all heirs and suspects in the mysterious murder of the rich Mr. Westing. For the one who solves the mystery- a $20 million reward!

I am currently reading it- so I can't give you a full review.. but
I am thinking I'll start reading it aloud to my boys at night.
It is so good-

I found an adorable site HERE created by students that really picks apart this book and all the characters.

Now if you have younger kids and are looking for a Halloween Story time idea.
(Here is a past post- for this age group- click HERE)

and here are some additional Halloween Story book favorites in our bookcase.

and lastly this is not necessarily a BOY book recommendation- but one of my favorite all time series when I was little is Something Queer... by Elizabeth Levy. Your library might still have these books.

The Illustrations were done by Mordicai Gerstein who was a cartoonist-- and every picture he gives little pop out windows with close ups and such.. they really added interest and dimension to the story, for this reluctant reader growing up.

It's an older series-- of mysteries-- for beginning readers transitioning to independent readers.

Connect Kids- to literature

2010-10-10T10:48:00.000-07:00

There are lots of ways to encourage reading and help kids connect to literature.
Some ways are simple.
-be an example of a reader- make sure your kids see you reading
-have ample of reading material around (picture books, novels, magazines, etc..)
-go to the library regularly
etc...

But today I wanted to share a slightly more complex attempt to help kids connect to books. (okay- a bit more complex- but so worth it!)

"A Play-in-a-Week" Theater
( we really don't have a name for it- we are working on it.)

This past week- our children were out of school for Fall Break. So the PTCO planned to produce a play.
(I serve as the Fine Arts Chair for this Parent Teacher Community organization.)

I selected the book: Voyage of the Dawn Treader as our story line.
(It's the next Narnia story that is coming out in theaters- in December.)

Almost all the children were familiar with the characters before we began.
Some of the children had already read the book.
Some children were inspired to read the book.
And some children were motivated to listened to the story on CD.

Two boys who have been in our book club for the last 3 years- (and who always struggle to read and finish the books) had MAIN PARTS in our play!

It was exciting to see kids connect- but especially these boys!
It was an amazing week- and astonishingly enough.

We only spent *2 hours each day on this production!

That's Right!

So before you think - this is the impossible project only highly productive people/ or PTCO's can accomplish... it wasn't.

Because the kids were involved in set designs and props and costumes....

the expectation of the final performance is pretty low...

Having said that- the two times we've done this Play-in-a -Week

the end performance has always blown everyone away!

Kids are creative & talented- with adult supervision to guide and channel that creative energy- the end product is amazing!

We are lucky to have a PTCO and Principal at our school who supports this type of project- and opens doors. (Literally- we needed keys and permission to use the facility while everyone was on break.) Also- we have parents who are willing to share their time and talents.

If you don't have that kind of support from you school, turn to your church youth program, or a civic center in your community. These types of organizations are always looking for great activities to bring the community together.

If this seems too much trouble-- you could modify this idea to a smaller scale project in your neighborhood.

Why not put on a backyard play?

Let kids gather props, create costumes and paint cardboard backdrops?

The more kids connect to books

the more likely they will want to read books.

And the more they want to read....

the more they will read...

and the more they read-the better reader they will become...

Laura

* 2 hours a day is what we asked the parent volunteers to commit to during their Fall Break.

The PTCO leaders spent more time on this project:

Writing the script,

holding auditions/casting (everyone who came- had a part in the play)

gathering the music

gathering supplies

set up and clean up each day

Parent Volunteers- showed up, worked in their area (costumes, sets, props, leading a set of children around, taught dances, practiced songs, etc...) and then went home. Some parents couldn't come every day... but as long as you have a handful everyday it works.

City of Ember

2010-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:00

Carl is back with additional ideas about the book: City of Ember.
You can see his book club ideas HERE
You can see what our book club did when we read this book: HERE

I love how Carl always seems to pull in "guest presenters" to demonstrate something relating to the book.

This time he invited a friend who demonstrated the generating of electricity- something so vital to the City of Ember.

Once again-
great job Carl!

If you would like to share your book club ideas- please send me an email : Bookclub4boys(AT)Yahoo(dot)com

(If you have a blog- highlighting your book club ideas - please send me a link to that exact post as well...)

I love sharing your ideas!

A Twist with a Movie/Book Club Group

2010-09-23T13:18:00.000-07:00

Here is another idea from Carl- our friendly librarian in North Carolina.
He hosted a Movie/book club group around the book: Nerds

-- the twist.. is

the book wasn't even made into a movie!!

Carl is so creative!
You can see his idea here for this book.

Quick summary of the book:

(Reading level is 5th-7th grade)
Definitely packed with boy humor, your boy is sure to love this super spy story. To even begin- one has to pass clearance by offering up a thumbprint match. (I love how the book is set up to be interactive.) This story takes the typical outcast of school Nerds and transforms their weaknesses into super powers- for example by "upgrading" braces and even allergies.

My sons haven't read this book- but I have... a few months ago... in an effort to preview it for a possible book club. I predict my 13 year old will be less interested. ( He likes spy books - but more "serious" spy books like Stormbreaker or Last Thing I Remember.

My 11 year old and 8 year old on the other hand- I can totally see them loving this series. (There is a book two out already!) They like the silly and absurd. Everything doesn't have to be probable in their world. ( Unlike my oldest- he's more serious all around.)

It's a fun book.

Thanks Carl!

Be sure to email me -- YOUR great ideas for book clubs!

Happy Reading!

Dragon Theme Book Club

2010-09-17T22:35:00.000-07:00

Today we just had a dragon themed book club, for our Beginning readers.
What a great bunch of boys!
They were so excited to color and create a dragon of their own- and share what special powers it had, where it lived, and if it was good or evil.

I'll post my official book club outline next week- a friend of mine took pictures- so I could just enjoy the boys and not have to fuss with the camera too. (Thanks Natalie!)

I found these great Dragon Flyer's at Oriental Trading a few years ago- and we used them with my Independent reader group when they read: How to Train Your Dragon. You can see my free outline for that book (HERE)

I've used these dragon flyer's 3 times now- for 3 different sons.

With my oldest sons book club- I gave the dragon flyer's to the boys with the book- so they could decorate it at home... and then bring it to book club.

My second sons book club we painted it at book club- then waited for the paint to dry while we munched on treats and discussed the book.

Today, with my third sons book club- we used markers to color them. ( I wasn't in the mood to deal with paint/water and waiting for it to dry.)

The markers worked great and the kids appreciated they could add details that might have been difficult to accomplish with paint. (fire, eyes, different color toe nails, etc...)

Just thought I would share- an awesome find at Oriental Trading.

I also found another book club idea for How to Train Your Dragon at this website HERE.

There are also some other fun books that have dragon themes:

happy reading!

Percy Jackson Book Club

2010-09-03T16:28:00.000-07:00

Meet Carl and his book club!
Carl is one of our very first Book Club Round Up Buddies.
He's a librarian and does a great job helping kids connect to books.
His site is located here:
At this book club meeting they were
talking about Percy Jackson: aka the Lightning Thief.

I love their book club T-shirts!

At their book club- Carl invited a friend/professor who

knows how to write and speak GREEK!

(could he be a demi-god in disguise?)

He even spelled some of the kids names in Greek.

Thanks Carl for sharing your book club ideas.

He's one librarian who loves his job.

You can see all the fun they have motivating kids to read on his website!

Back To School- Success Start

2010-08-31T23:18:00.000-07:00

We've been back at school a few weeks now.
Is the transition ever easy?

Actually the first week was easy-
my kids enjoyed the excitement of re-connecting with old friends, swapping summer stories
meeting new friends

It's the second and third week that the back to school blues sank in.
Besides the usual... dragging of feet to do homework
I laughed when my boys started complaining about
"he's looking at me" as a distraction to getting homework completed.

As a simple solution: I set up some file folders to make "cubbies" and even put pockets on the inside to hold
weekly spelling lists
multiplication flash cards, etc..

A great book, that was sent my way this summer,
I think everyone should get is Tutor in a Book.

I honestly love this book.
It spells out practical and helpful tips
Not just for students- but parents as well.

A challenge for me, personally, is this phase into teenager.
I can tell with my oldest son, our old way of communicating is breaking down. He's a young man- searching for role models and advice from other male figures and not running to mom like he once use to.

I really like the advice the book gives on how to keep communication open. Approaching homework and school "team-minded". Having judgement -free "check-in" so kids can talk to their parents about grades and tests and get helpful ideas on how to do better or juggle the work load and feel supported.

I love the section on figuring out your child's learning style. What a great discovery in education! I remember growing up- teachers taught one way- and if you didn't "get it" then you were labelled "special ed". I am so glad educators now appreciate that there are different "normal" ways people learn. Personally, I am a Kinesthetic learner- meaning I learn by touching, doing and physically working through concepts. That is why I like action oriented book clubs. That is how I connect things. My oldest is a strong Auditory learner. We use to get so frustrated working together. I was always trying to model something, do something hands on- when he would want me to just read it aloud again or quiz him orally. (For me- information goes in one ear and out the other. So I had a hard time trusting a few minutes of oral repetition would be enough studying for him to do well in class.)

THEN knowing your child's learning style-- you can go through the book and see the tips and helpful ideas that fit your child. BRILLIANT!

The Section for Students is just as helpful.
Tips on Organization
Time Management
The day-to-day and Planning for long term projects
Study Skills
How to learn stuff, but also a GREAT section pulling important information on
reading assignments, games to help you memorize things.

I could go on and on.....
My son and I are reading this book together.
It is tempting to just sit and try to read it all at once. (there is so much good information)
But to slowly read it..
just a chapter a week...
and let ideas settle ... and try to apply ideas is really helpful.

Plus reading it together helps keep us communicating.

I mean- we talk. We talk every day--
"Hi honey - how was school?"
"good" or sometimes it is just a grunt.
"What did you learn today?"
"Math"
I feel like my words just bounce off a brick wall.

Reading this together, opens up a conversation about his school work, his assignments, his goals.
It is a nice mediator in helping my son and I find a new way to work together-- now that he is a teen. That we can be on the same team- helping him succeed in school.

Round Up News!

2010-08-12T15:36:00.001-07:00

Hello
I hope everyone had a great summer!
(Our school started back up last week! So if you are one of those lucky families that is still on summer vacation---- enjoy every last minute!)

A fellow Bookclub4boys.com Round Up member contacted me earlier in the year with a request for Pen Pals.

Here is her book club.
They had just finished the book
Dear Max and she thought it would be fun for the kids to have their own pen pals. I thought it was a great idea!
I had our boys write on the back of post cards and I mailed her the bundle. Then at their book club meeting- she was able to pass out the post cards/pen pals to her boys!

My son is still exchanging letters (more like one-line snippets) with the little boy second from the left.

I just wanted to share her creative idea.
Thanks Gwyn!

If you would like to share books, ideas, activities or games your book club enjoys please email me at Bookclub4boys {at} yahoo{dot}com
I will then post your idea along with any pictures you send on our site! If you have a blog I will happily link back so my readers can get more information from your blog!

Book / Movie Books

2009-05-05T19:46:00.000-07:00

This post is for books that have now been made into a movie.

I love using movies as a tool to help reluctant readers connect to characters, plot and settings in books. If you think about it- most of us struggle to read a book if it doesn't "hook" us in the first chapter or so. Kids are no different- in fact they tend to be worse! If it doesn't capture them in the first few pages a book is abandoned.

Now think about a child that actually struggles to read. To read fluidly enough to stream a sentence together. Sometimes important plot information, setting information and even details about characters get lost. By watching the first few minutes of the movie- kids will be begging- just 5 more minutes. They get "hooked". Hooked to characters, they understand where the plot is going, they can see the surroundings. Having all this information firmly in place, these reluctant readers can now plug through the book and find out "what happens next?".

Another thing I love about movies and books is how easy it is to host a book club!
Discussions are simple: compare and contrast the movie.
The activity is planned: watch the movie.
Snacks are simple: everyone bring their favorite munchie.

Book Club Round Up

2008-12-08T13:04:00.000-08:00

What is Book Club Round Up? ( This is a new feature)
We would like to spotlight all you who help educate children and promote reading. We want to give you a place to share ideas, tips and great books with each other and be inspired! To help- I've signed up with Mister Linky to facilitate the logistics of linking several people on one post.

How do I participate?
If you :
host a book club for children
help your child read
home school
are a teacher or librarian
are an author of children's books
are some kind of advocate for children's literacy
and have a blog or website that addresses the issue we post about-you can contribute!

It can be a simple idea or a complete lesson plan.

Just fill in your name and direct link (to your Book Club Round Up post) in the Mister Linky box at the bottom of the post. Only leave a link if your post relates to the topic for that week on our Book Club Round Up. Be sure to grab a Round Up button from the side bar and add it to your post. (This is required or your post will be deleted. Copy the code, then when you are posting on your blog/site add the code in HTML mode, the button will magically appear and automatically link back here!)

Am I required to use the "Book Club Round Up" Button in my post?
Not at all, you can mention the Book Club Round Up in your post and link it yourself manually.
( I do ask that if you participate, you link back to the specific post here as a courtesy.)

Thanks for participating and inspiring us with your creative ideas and tips!

2008-10-04T17:03:00.000-07:00

START AN ACTION ORIENTED BOOK CLUB FOR YOUR BOY!

Let us help you! visit: http://www.bookclub4boys.com/ until this site is fully fuctioning, for free bookclub 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 fun29% said they had no time/were too busy11% said they would rather do something else8% said they couldn’t get into the stories4% admitted they weren’t good at it.

Our book club outlines 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 Book & 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.