Let's face it, getting kids to read can be a tough job. After all, kids these days have all sorts of interesting media and entertainment options fighting for their attention. Unfortunately, kids will often choose watching a movie or playing a computer game over reading a book. One reason for this is that reading is sometimes seen as a chore. It can also be seen as something that is antisocial, and unfortunately still has geeky connotations. However, you can encourage your kids to read by setting up a kids book club.
Book clubs are groups where people get together to discuss what they have been reading. They are quite popular with adults, and there is no reason that they can't be popular with kids. After all, kids love it when they can chat about shared interests. No doubt you've seen them discussing their favorite television show or sharing baseball cards. A book club is another way to do this. By getting other kids involved in your child's reading, they'll be more likely to enjoy it and do it for fun.
Have a look around your local area to see if there are any existing book clubs for kids. Your local school might have one set up, or perhaps you might have luck at the local library. Some youth organizations might also run their own book clubs. If not, you might consider setting one up for your own children and their friends. First, see if any of their friends enjoy reading. These kids will be great to target as potential members of a book club. You can also put out a call out for members at your local library, or in the school newsletter.
Organize regular meetings for the kids book club. See what the kids' schedules are like, and set up your meetings accordingly. Some kids might prefer to meet once a month, while others can handle a fortnightly meeting. Also see what kind of books they like to read. If all of your members are fantasy buffs, it's a good idea to pick fantasy books for them to read. If there's a mix of interests, try to vary the content of the books that are set for them to read. Alternatively, kids can be given the option of picking their own books to read. Rather than discussing a single book during a meeting, everyone can discuss the different books they've read that week.
Provide snacks or other incentives to encourage kids to come along to the kids book club. A packet of cookies or some home made muffins or hot chocolate can really help the enjoyment factor of the meeting. It will make the book club seem less like work and more like fun. Also encourage all of the kids to add something to the discussion. You may find that some kids like to dominate the conversation, so you may need to explicitly ask the more quiet kids to contribute. Over time, you'll find that everyone in the kids book club begins to add their own opinions and perspectives.