Start a Baby Book Club

by Mary Ann Romans | More from this Blogger

23 Feb 2009 11:18 AM

If you are looking for a fun play date activity for the little kids, then this might be your idea. Start up a baby book club. Not only will the kids (and the adults) have a great time, but there will also be a lot of learning going on. A baby book club is a great way to introduce children to the love of reading, logical thinking, and some socialization, too.

1. First determine who will be in the club. Ideally, children should be near the same developmental level. You can start a club for children that are as young as newborn.

2. Decide when and where to meet. You might decide to meet once a week or once a month depending on your schedules. A regular weekly time will help the kids retain the routine and look forward to the club, but any time that works for everyone involved is best. You may choose to meet in a park or the library, or rotate through homes, with the host providing snacks.

3. Choose the books. Have your local youth librarian make some suggestions or gather a list together from participating parents. Having a list of four or so books ahead of time will make organizing the club easier.

4. Make a list of discussion questions for the kids that will help them think. For a book such as the Hungry Caterpillar, you might ask "What else do you think the caterpillar would like to eat?" or "What would it's money pack for a snack?" or "What toy do you think the caterpillar would like to play with if it came to your house?

5. As the kids get older, you can adapt the club to suit their growing development. The kids can pitch in to make a book-related snack or draw pictures of their favorite character in the book.

Mary Ann Romans writes about everything related to saving money in the Frugal Blog, creating a home in the Home Blog, caring for little ones in the Baby Blog and now relationships in the Marriage Blog. You can read more of her articles by clicking here or subscribe to the blog using the subscription box on the right.

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Learn more about Mary Ann Romans

Mary Ann Romans is a freelance writer, wife and mother of three children. She lives in Pennsylvania with her husband, the kids and a 16-pound cat.

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