Keep Your Children Reading This Summer With Virtual Book Clubs

It’s no secret that homeschooling moms look forward to the summer months just as much as the children. Even if you’ve opted in for the year-round schooling approach, there still may be a few weeks that are considered “low times.”

One of the biggest questions is, “What do I fill these low times with that still pours into their educational tank?” This summer, consider incorporating virtual book clubs to help foster a love for reading in a fun way!

Book clubs aren’t a new thing; however, taking them virtual adds an entirely new kick. For homeschooling families, having the flexibility to go digital aids in being able to homeschool easier and in a more unique way.

There are five distinct benefits to adding virtual book clubs to your children’s reading option this summer.

Socialization

Although homeschoolers are more socialized than people would like to believe, virtual book clubs offer consistent and intentional socialization with others around the same age group.

Children are able to come together and have meaningful dialogue about a particular book and share their own thoughts and opinions about a topic.

Community

Virtual books clubs offer children their own little community built of other little people just like them. This offers them a sense of belonging, which in return fuels their self-esteem.

This type of community also gives them something to look forward to. My 11-year-old looks forward to meeting with his other “dude friends” (as he calls them) in their virtual “clubhouse.”

Accountability

Children may not grasp this concept fully, but virtual book clubs can help with understanding it. Being responsible for keeping up with the meeting schedule, what chapters to read, and being ready for discussion are just a few ways children can learn to be accountable through a virtual book club.

Unique Experience

Today’s children are able to easily pick up on the technological advancements of our time, so being able to meet with a group of friends is a piece of cake… but at the same time offers them a unique experience.

They are able to hang out in real time with other children, and in some cases partake in both voice and type chat. Not to mention, because the book club is virtual, your child can enjoy it from anywhere!

Academic Boost

Virtual book clubs offer children a hidden academic boost that parents absolutely love. Often times, reading (or any Language Arts concept for that matter) can seem like a hit or miss.

Virtual book clubs help to not only foster a love for reading, but it also provides extra practice with:

word recognition
sentence structure
reading pace and speed
parts of speech
overall reading ability
and self-esteem

Children are most likely not paying attention to these important aspects of reading, but they are in fact getting practice with them by participating in virtual books clubs.

Where to Find Virtual Book Clubs

Virtual Book Clubs for Kids is a great option for families with children ages 2 to 5. They send a weekly newsletter with a list of themes, books, and activities to do with your children.

Literary Adventures for Kids is on mission of using virtual book clubs as a way to encourage children to dig deep and be inspired by literature. This club is offered through a self-paced, online book course.

Huddleston Academy offers live book clubs lead by Book Club Leaders with three active age groups to choose from. They are also divided by gender as well. The children meet on a weekly basis in their virtual “clubhouses” and chat about the previous week’s reading.

Whether you are looking to enhance your child’s love for reading, or give them extra reading practice… consider adding a virtual book club to your family’s summer schedule!

Check out 30+ Ideas for Summer Reading!

Michelle Huddleston is a devoted wife, homeschooling mom, and work-from-home mompreneur. It is her desire to see families thrive, and especially women living unapologetically authentic to who God created them to be. You can find Michelle blogging about life at withthehuddlestons.com; teaching children through her online school for homeschoolers, Huddleston Academy; and, helping other mompreneurs find success in their business through her M3 service (Mompreneur Mastermind Mentor). Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!