13 Different Ways to Host Classroom Book Clubs

Are you struggling to figure out how classroom book clubs or literature circles fit into your curriculum? If so, you aren’t alone! Finding ways to incorporate classroom book clubs can feel daunting. But the good news is that there isn’t one way to fit book clubs into your classroom or curriculum. Finding a variation of a book club that works for you will give you some flexibility. Be willing to try different variations, too!

Why Classroom Book Clubs?

When you think of classroom book clubs, you might think of every student forcibly trudging through the same novel, even if they hate it. But done well, book clubs can actually get students more engaged and excited about reading (while also allowing you the chance to teach ELA skills authentically).

The purpose of classroom book clubs is to get students invested in an authentic and shared reading experience. Book clubs also offer students some autonomy over their learning. They get to have meaningful conversations with other students about novels and deepen their reading comprehension and analysis skills.

Variations of Classroom Book Clubs

Let’s take a look at some of the book club variations. I recommend trying out different versions until you find one that sits well with you and your students. Also, what works with one group of kids might need to be different for another.

#1 Literature Circles – Controlled

This type of book club follows the same structure week after week and is likely what you think of when you hear the words “classroom book club.” With controlled literature circles, each group is reading the same book, and each student within the group has an assigned role. The students meet together, work on accomplishing their assigned tasks, and the teacher makes an effort to meet with each group every week. 

#2 Literature Circles – Student Led

With student led literature circles, the teacher may or may not meet with groups. Students have the choice of which job they’ll do within the group each week, and they also decide what the structure of the book club will be. The teacher will typically set a timeline, of around four weeks, and students will have full responsibility to complete their work in a timely manner.

#3 Book Clubs 

This is the classic, original book club. Student groups are based on their book preference, and students generally have an assigned amount to read each week and discuss in their groups. The teacher typically gives an assignment or question that should be completed during the book club. This is another variation of classroom book club where students pace themselves throughout the book and hold each other accountable.

#4 Student Choice

This variation of book club is very similar to the original book club, but students have a choice of what work they do each week. For example, some students may choose to complete a graphic organizer to accompany their reading, and others may want a more structured literature circle response sheet. Another group of students may want their work to be entirely discussion based.

#5 Weekly Focus 

This type of classroom book club emphasizes group work. Students read an assigned amount of the book ahead of time and then meet with their group to complete a certain task assigned by the teacher. This might be creating a poster, having a group discussion, or creating a group analysis of the reading section.

#6 Whole Class Novels

If you’re looking for a way to read a novel as a whole class without reading the entire book aloud, this book club may work for you. The entire class will be reading the same novel, but students will also meet in small groups to discuss the book and complete their assignments. 

#7 Alongside Units

This variation is a great option for teachers struggling to fit classroom book clubs into their curriculum. When you’re teaching a unit, whether that is a nonfiction unit or a poetry unit, students meet in book clubs that apply to their learning. This was my absolute favorite style of book club when I was in the classroom because it gave students the opportunity to immediately apply their learning. These book clubs are a great way to give students an authentic purpose for reading.

#8 Genre

Similarly to the book clubs that happen alongside units, you can assign book clubs for your class based on a specific genre. Then, each group is reading a book within the same genre, and you can tailor your mini lessons accordingly. 

#9 Different Books

This is not a variation I used right off the bat, but if it happened organically, I encouraged it! In this format, every student in the group is reading their own novel. You definitely do want them to read within the same genre or format, so that their discussions can be meaningful.

#10 As Its Own Unit

Just as you can use classroom book clubs alongside units, you can also use book clubs as their own unit. This is a great variation to use during testing season when you know you’ll be short on instructional time, but you still want kids to be reading. Giving students a weekly focus will allow you to keep things flexible but still targeted toward a goal. 

#11 Audio

Audiobook clubs are a fantastic way to make different leveled texts accessible to students. This accessibility allows students to be grouped by interest rather than ability level. Audiobook clubs are also a great way to practice listening skills, which we all know is an important skill to hone! If you choose to go this route, I definitely recommend also having the text to follow along.

#12 Books and Movies

I love the engagement this variation can create! For movie book clubs, all groups read a book that also has a movie adaptation. As a final assignment, students can compare the book version and the movie version. This is a great style for reluctant readers who need an incentive to read.

#13 The Dream

This variation is the best case scenario, the dream, when it comes to classroom book clubs. In this type of book club, students naturally talk about a book that they’re reading together because they’re interested in it. These types of book clubs happen organically, and are a direct result of building a classroom culture of reading. 

However you choose to introduce classroom book clubs, you’ll be one major step closer to encouraging your students to become lifelong readers. Choose a variation that feels like a good fit, experiment with others, be flexible, and enjoy witnessing the magic!