Looking for ideas on a SIMPLE summer reading club lasting about 5 weeks for Pre-6th grade. We've done them in years past, but with the computerization of library and lack of personnel to take it on have let it lapse. Any ideas or articles are welcome.
You need to be a member of Church Librarians Network to add comments!
Replies
We had a summer reading club called "Reach for the Stars" where the children checked books out and read them. When they returned they put the book name and their name on a star and we used a wall of the library to display the stars. The parents provided prizes for their own children when they had read 10 books such as something they wanted or a trip to a restaurnat or an event for them to do. We ran the club for 6 weeks and by the end had a wall covered with stars. Everyone enjoyed it and since the parents were providing the prizes it didn't cost the library much - we just provided the stars and the promotion.
Margaret Trail Colonial Baptist Cary, NC
Margeret, thank you for your ideas. We are using a categories this for the first time doing a book club for our church children. They seem to be enjoying it very much. It's like they can wait to get their next book. They also have to write a small essay about the story. Categories are History, Biographies, Animals, 2 books of choice and a free week to catch up. Our pre-schoolers and kindergarten do not write but their pictures are wonderful. Each child has a folder so they can bring it to school and get credit for what they have done. We went out to the schools in our area and they gave us a list for the children to read. They also said that they would accept other books that were not on their list. So far the Lord has been good in guiding us through this first time Summer Book Club. All the advice we have obtained on this site has been great. Thank you so much.
Elaine Feero Myrtle Lake Baptist Church FL
Your idea really peaked my interest as well. I am going to print them out and discuss with those who are in the know.
Last year we had a simple, little work, library summer promotion. I used the theme, "Go Bananas about Reading" developed with charts, cut outs, book marks,etc. I found in the teacher section of "Everything's a Dollar" store. We decorated the window and door with them. It was precious! If a child (or adult) used our library we put his/her name on a monkey and added it to the backdrop of our window. They also received a "monkey" book mark. This was an almost effortless promotion. We also passed out a "monkey" flyer to the church membership promoting summer hours, etc. I have some pictures, and will try to send them later when I find someone to help me.
Thank for that great idea. Yours and the one below it are just what I am looking for. We'll see what developes. If you have templates, or things like that I would love to have them. Could you save them as a publisher file or pdf, and then copy the file and send the file? I'm not sure how to do it either.
Look at upstartpromotions.com. They are not a religious company, but have many upbeat promotions for libraries with bookmarks, book bags, etc. The site may give you some much uplifting ideas. After our library was closed for 3-4 months due to renovations, I had a VeggieTale Party - showed a V. DVD and served veggies with dip - kids loved it. There are plenty of VeggieTales books, etc. play off on the idea. It's also hard to find good books for 4-6th graders as they are edging towards middle school thinking. I have some secular - excellent books - that will peek their interest - go along the lines of animal theme to stretch the idea of VeggieTales - or have a different approach for this age group. Let me know if you want any ideas - I would start with "Out of My Mind" and "Rules". "Almost Home" with an animal idea within the stories. Good luck