Camp Cammie has begun! We started off slowly since we wanted to enjoy our first full week of summer vacation! Last summer we used the SummerQuest Workbook and I thought it was great. It had a daily front & back worksheet that covered the basics - math and language arts. Then it had several other activities throughout the week like creative exercises and science to enhance their learning. This book was the recommended workbook when we ordered our school supplies online. We would use the workbook and have other activities related around our weekly themes.
This year, the recommended workbook is The Original Summer Bridge Activities - Reading, Writing, Math and Language Skills. This workbook also covers the basics and includes science experiments, a reading list and a character education section. The section includes information on nutrition, physical activity and character. I would recommend either this workbook or a similar one. You can order it online at Amazon, click here to look at it or purchase it (check the grade level).
Our theme for this week was Book Club. We have been interested in starting a Book Club so we wanted to answer the who, what, where, how, when and why.
Our local bookstore is hosting a book club for kids entering 4th-7th grade and they meet twice a month. The first book club book is Golden & Grey (An Unremarkable Boy and a Rather Remarkable Ghost) by Louise Arnold. I will follow up with a post after we meet next week.
Over the course of the week, the kids and I talked about how we would form a book club and what books we would choose. Here are the topics we discussed...
What is a book club?
A group of friends that get together to discuss books in more detail and learn from one another. The group chooses a book to read and then they meet together and discuss it in more detail. It is a great way to dig deeper into a book and learn from others. Sharing your perspective of the book may open up a new way of thinking for you and the other members.
Who should be in your book club?
You should ask others that are interested in joining and will make the commitment. The club works best if you have around 8-12 members. We thought a smaller number for younger groups might be a good idea (4-8 members).
When and where should you meet?
Most book clubs meet once a month. You need to give everyone enough time to finish reading the book and time for reflection.
Your group can decide where to meet. You may choose to meet at the same place or house each time or you can rotate locations.
You should always bring your book and any notes that you took while reading. A list of questions to contribute to the group and paper and pen so you can take notes.
Who should lead the group?
First time groups of younger kids should have an adult lead the group. The kids can each bring a few questions and the leader will help the group go through the questions and keep the discussion on track.
How should we choose a book?
Many book clubs ask the members to bring a book that they think would make a good "book club" book. Each member can share the title of the book, the author and the story line. Then each member should vote on their choice. Remind each member that although their book may not be chosen, that they should support the groups choice (no complaining). They can always suggest the same book another time.
I will follow up with a post about the book club meeting next week at our local bookstore. Check your neighborhood bookstores and libraries to see if they have any book clubs or form your own.
Check out kidsreads.com for some more great book club information and resources.
This week our theme is Creative Writing and I will follow up next week.
Related post "Camp Cammie" Helps Me Keep My Kids Learning Over the Summer
Cammie Moise