[LM_NET] HIT SEC: Book Club Problems

[Gayle Rogers <ninagayle@YAHOO.COM>]

I apologize for being so slow to post a 
HIT SEC: Book Club Problems 
 
I apologize for being so slow to post a hit. The following are responses to 
problems I am having with my 7th-12th grade book club. Problems include: students 
not reading the book, students being loud and disorderly during the meeting, and 
students having private discussions during the meeting. I asked for suggestions for 
changes. I’d like to thank the people that responded below. I am in the process of 
making some of the suggested changes. 
 
Gayle Rogers, Library Media Specialist
St. Jude Educational Institute, Montgomery, Alabama
ninagayle@yahoo.com
 
Responses:
I have a book club in the high school where I work. I think one of the 
problems is that you are meeting too often. My club meets on the first and 
third Friday of every month. Also, this year I am making them sign an 
agreement form which stipulates that they will: keep up with the reading, 
contribute positively to the discussion, refrain from critical comments on 
opinions that differ from theirs, and NOT be a spoiler.
 
There's no one quick fix to a book discussion group that isn't working.
I've done this sort of discussion for over 20 years with second grade
through middle school and each one has its own challenges.  Sounds like they
made the book choice - a good thing.  Since your big problem at this point
is that they don't have the "time" to read it (I guess they're not getting
graded...grin...which is also a good thing), I'd start the class by asking
the kids if they need time during this class to read the section.  Not sure
how long it lasts...but devote about 1/2 the time to reading and then ask
them to stop to talk about what they've read.  The "carrot" will be the fun
of discussing together, but if you don't have everyone reading it at home,
they'll never get there.  

There's another possibility - that they started the book at home and didn't
like it.  And don't want to say that out loud for fear of being seen as not
competent or not tactful or ?  You might try reading the first page of each
choice - or allowing them to browse the book - or having the rule be that
each of them proposes one book in turn that they've already read and
loved.....


WOW.  Get out of the leadership role.  Put them in charge.  Elect a
leader and then first thing, have them set the rules for meetings,
responsibilities for readings and how to have a discussion.


      
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