‘Tis the season of twinkling lights, cozy sweaters, and the sweet sound of a classroom book club. Yep, you heard me right. In the midst of the tinsel and glitter, let’s have our students have a chance to chat about books.
Student book clubs might not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the holiday season. But, I promise you that book clubs are a great way to navigate that terrible timing between Thanksgiving and winter break. Now, I love a clever teacher pun sweater as much as the next person. But let’s be real – December in the classroom can be a bit like herding reindeer. But give your students some choice and a little holiday spirit and this might be your favorite time of year again. So, grab your hot cocoa, cozy up, and let’s chat about how book clubs can not only survive but thrive in the December whirlwind. Let’s dive in, teacher friend!
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The Holiday Hurdle
The Dreaded December
Oh, December – the month of holiday cheer, twinkling lights, and, let’s face it, a classroom vibe that’s a bit like herding cats. You feel me, right? But it’s a struggle to keep those eager minds on track when visions of sugarplums (or video games) dance in their heads. It’s not just a teacher thing; it’s practically a universal challenge.
So, here’s the deal – let’s acknowledge the holiday hurdle. The struggle is real, but so is our determination. And guess what? We’ve got a trick up our sleeves to turn this challenge into an opportunity. Can you guess what it is? Hint: It involves books, discussions, and a dash of magic. Intrigued? Well, my fellow teacher, buckle up because we’re about to sleigh (see what I did there?) this holiday hurdle like the academic warriors we are!
Classroom Book Club Bliss
So what’s our holiday season secret weapon – book clubs. You know, those little gatherings of literary minds that not only survive December but thrive in it. First things first, can we agree that building a sense of community in our classrooms is like finding that perfect mug for your hot cocoa? It just makes everything better. When those desks transform into cozy reading nooks and students become eager contributors to the discussion, it’s like witnessing the holiday spirit in action.
And let’s not forget the power of choice. Picture this scenario: students get to pick their own books, diving into stories that genuinely interest them. Even better they get to set the schedule and choose their own activities. Now, hold onto your Santa hat, because here’s the real magic – the discussions. These aren’t your run-of-the-mill Q&A sessions. We’re talking about spirited conversations where ideas flow like melted snow, and everyone gets a chance to share their thoughts. It’s the kind of engagement that makes you forget you’re in the middle of December chaos. Ready to learn how? Keep reading to see all my classroom book club ideas.
Classroom Book Club Activities
1. Seasonal Stories: Curating Your Ultimate December Book Club Pick
Alright, fellow book enthusiast, let’s dive into the fun part – picking the perfect reads for our holiday book clubs. Because, let’s be real, not all books are created equal if you are looking for a festive theme. I am all about letting students choose any story that they want. But if you want a wintery vibe, check out my list. The choice is theirs, and that makes all the difference. It’s like handing them a menu of delicious literary treats, and they get to pick their favorites.
- LET IT SNOW: THREE HOLIDAY ROMANCES BY JOHN GREEN, MAUREEN JOHNSON, AND LAUREN MYRACLE
- WHAT LIGHT BY JAY ASHER
- DASH AND LILY’S BOOK OF DARES BY RACHEL COHN DAVID AND LEVITHAN
- SNOWED IN BY RACHEL HAWTHORNE
- PEAK BY ROLAND SMITH
- 8-BIT CHRISTMAS BY KEVEN JAKUBOWSKI
- TRAPPED BY MICHAEL NORTHROP
- STEALING SNOW BY DANIELLE PAIGE
- THE HOLIDAY SWITCH BY TIF MARCELO
- EIGHT DATES AND NIGHTS BY BETSY ALDREDGE
2. Unwrapping Festive Book Club Activities
Now that we’ve got our holiday reads locked in, let’s sprinkle some magic into our book club gatherings. Because, let’s face it, a festive book deserves an equally enchanting discussion. I give my class a set number of days to read the novel. Students meet as a book club and set their own reading schedule. I have students read before they get to class and complete reader notes.
Each book club meeting is set by the students. They are to have an informal discussion about the novel. To ensure that they do not just chat about what they like, students use their reader notes. These notes are designed to have the students think deeper. After students chat, they can work on their classroom book club activities. Give students different holiday-themed options to help them analyze their reading. Check out some wintery writing ideas below:
- Ornament of Insight:
Encourage your students to bring in a holiday ornament that represents a key theme or moment from the book. As they discuss, each participant hangs their ornament on a class “Book Club Tree.” It’s a visual celebration of the story’s depth and a unique way to reflect on the book’s impact.
- Candy Cane Rating:
Who needs stars when you can have candy canes? Have your students rate the book using a candy cane scale – one cane for “Not my cup of cocoa” to five canes for “Absolutely jingletastic!” This sweet twist adds a touch of humor to your discussions.
- Holiday Character Gift Exchange:
Ask students to select a character from the book and brainstorm a gift they would give that character for the holidays. It could be practical, sentimental, or downright quirky. This activity not only delves into character analysis but also sparks creative thinking.
- Ugly Sweater Challenge:
Turn your book club into a literary runway with an Ugly Sweater Challenge. Each participant designs a sweater inspired by the book, incorporating elements, quotes, or characters. Not only does this activity embrace the holiday spirit, but it also adds a dash of friendly competition.
- Bookish Gingerbread Houses:
Combine literature and culinary creativity by having students design gingerbread houses inspired by key elements of the book. It could be a scene, a character’s home, or even a symbolic representation. Not only does it add a delicious aspect to your discussion, but it also allows students to showcase their artistic flair.
3. Jingle All the Way to Book Club Success
So, we’ve decked our halls with engaging reads and festive activities. Let’s ensure our book clubs hit all the right notes. Here are a few tips to jingle all the way to book club success during this magical season.
- Flexibility is Santa’s Little Helper:
Recognize that December can be a bit like a snow globe – full of delightful chaos. Be flexible with meeting times and formats. Allow your students to choose their reading schedule and don’t add time limits to discussions. Show that you are willing to adjust to what works best for your bookish crew.
- Spread the Joy of Participation:
Encourage every student to contribute, even if it’s a small sprinkle of insight. This is the time for inclusivity, where everyone’s voice adds to the festive chorus of your book club discussions. Create an atmosphere where students feel comfortable sharing their thoughts.
- Cozy Reading Nooks:
Transform your classroom into a haven of literary warmth. Add some blankets, pillows, and soft lighting to create cozy reading nooks. This ambiance sets the stage for a relaxed and inviting book club setting, making students feel like they’re diving into a story with friends. Check out my post HERE about the benefits of room transformations.
- Reflect on the Magic:
Take a moment at the end of each book club meeting to reflect on the magic of the story and the joy of sharing it together. Whether it’s through a simple discussion or a quick journaling session, this reflection time enhances the overall book club experience.
- ‘Tis the Season for Celebration:
End your December book club meetings on a celebratory note. It could be a mini holiday party, a book-themed treat, or even a small cheers to the literary journey you’ve embarked on together. Celebrate the joy of reading and the camaraderie your book club has brought to the holiday season.
More Amazing Book Club Activities
12 Exciting Ideas For a Book Project For High School Students
Top Three Novel Unit Activities That WIll Make Your Unit Exciting
How to Teach a Novel Unit That Engages High School Students
Five Ways Reader’s Notes Can Transform Your High School ELA Book Clubs
Novel Unit Planning: A How to Guide For Success
Have Yourself a Merry Little Classroom Book Club
And there you have it, dear reader – a sleigh full of tips, activities, and festive vibes to make your December classroom book club shine like Rudolph’s nose. As we wrap up this guide to surviving the holiday hustle with our beloved books, I hope your classrooms echo the laughter of spirited discussions and the joy of shared stories.
Remember, the magic of December isn’t just in the twinkling lights or the scent of pine – it’s also nestled within the pages of the books we cherish. If you want some activities ready to go to make your December that much easier, check out my Novel Unit Activities. If you have any jolly book club traditions or activities to share, I’d love to hear them! Tag me or drop a message @theteacherrewrite on Instagram. Here’s to a month filled with literary delights, shared stories, and the magic of reading. Happy reading, and may your classroom book clubs be merry and bright!
