How To Start A Kids Book Club In Hong Kong?

Logistics

Find a group of interested kids and parents who are willing to commit to a book club. Some factors to consider before commencing are age, interests, and current time commitments of the members. For younger children, a group of 3-5 kids is generally recommended to help maintain order. Groups organized by age or interest can help the book club gain traction and run successfully in the long-term. In terms of commitment, a monthly-meet up tends to be more feasible for children in Hong Kong who may have other extra-curricular commitments. Rotating hosting turns and homes will also alleviate the pressure on the parents.

Doodle, an online platform to take polls, votes, and schedule best meeting times and days for your group (Options for paid upgraded services; creating a poll is free), doodle.com

Themes

Get the kids excited by involving them from the get-go! Brainstorming book club themes together as a group will allow kids to share and pursue their own interests. Hobbies, social issues, current events, or topics not discussed in the classroom are all great places to start. Themes could change from month to month or be engaged with for a complete round of turns. Having a theme will also aid in narrowing down choices for book selections.

Best Toy Stores For Kids In Hong Kong, Click here

Pinterest For Book Club Theme Ideas, Click here

A Mighty Girl Website – Large online collection of books for girls categorized under themes such as social issues, personal development, history, and interests, www.amightygirl.com

Choosing the Right Book!

Before choosing books, first, determine whether the kids will read independently or be read to by parents. Then choose age-appropriate books based on reading abilities. If you have independent readers in an older age group, keep in mind that children will read at different speeds, and this should be factored in when choosing books and the time frame given for reading. Once you have a theme in mind, select top-reviewed books in that category to give their book club a first-class start.

Hong Kong's Best Bookstores + Online Bookstores, Click here

Craft, Activities, and Games

One of the wonderful aspects of a children’s book club is that it doesn’t have to operate like an adult group! To foster a love for reading, think of it as more of a playdate and keep things light and fun! One way to do this is by including activities to complement your book. You may consist of coloring sheets for younger ones, guided questions for older ones, games for energetic ones, and activities or crafts for the artistically-inclined. You could even consider watching the movie version of the book after reading – then ask children to pay attention to similarities, differences, or missed details!

Little Steps Pinterest Boards - Indoor Activities For Kids, Click here

Family Game Night Ideas In Hong Kong, Click here

Book Subscription Services

If you’re struggling to form a group for kids, consider opting for an online book subscription service. Many subscription services include activities and themes as part of their package – taking the work away from you, while still giving your kids an incentive to read. OwlCrate Jr: does exactly that, they offer a monthly book box for kids ages 8-12 with a different theme every month. Half of the excitement for children in a book subscription service is the anticipation of receiving a package just for them!

OwlCrate Jr., www.owlcratejr.com

Top 10 Subscription Boxes In Hong Kong, Click here. Gifts That Keep On Giving For Kids + Parents & Pets