10 Tips for Starting a Homeschool Book Club

Starting a homeschool book club is a wonderful way to build community, nurture a love of reading, and spark meaningful conversations. Whether you’re gathering a few friends in your lounge room or pulling together a larger group at the park, these simple tips will help you launch a book club that everyone looks forward to.

1. Involve your child

Begin by talking with your child about what kind of book club they’d like:

• Do they want something casual and social, or a more structured group with deeper discussions?
  When children help shape the vision, they feel a stronger sense of ownership and excitement.

2. Choose a location

Pick a setting that suits the group:

• Cafés or libraries work well for teens.
• Parks, playgrounds, or backyards are perfect for younger children who may want free play afterwards.

3. Decide how often (and how long) to meet

Consistency is key!

• How often? Fortnightly is ideal. It gives plenty of time to read assigned chapters.
• How long? Teens may enjoy a couple of hours, with time to chat before diving into discussion. Younger children may prefer a shorter session, followed by free play in the park.

4. Choose a leader

• For teens: Try rotating leadership by book or by meeting. This builds confidence and gives everyone a chance to guide the conversation.
• For younger kids: A parent usually works best as the leader, providing gentle structure while keeping things fun.

5. Spread the word!

Let others know your book club is starting:

• Post in your local homeschool Facebook groups.
• Share through co-op networks or word of mouth.
• Use our free book club flyer (upload to Canva and customise!) to make promoting simple.

6. Select your first book

Choose something that’s:

• Engaging, age-appropriate, and discussion-worthy.
  Need inspiration? Our Core Program library is packed with great options, and the Just Good Books list is full of family favourites.

7. Plan your first meeting

A little preparation makes a big difference:

• Bring 5–10 open-ended questions to guide discussion. (Tip: many of our Core Programs already include ready-to-go Consider & Discuss questions.)
• Start with introductions so everyone feels welcome.
• Set some light ground rules:
  • lively discussion is encouraged
  • every opinion matters
  • come prepared by reading the assigned chapters
  • and yes… snacks are always welcome!

8. Keep it fun!

The best book clubs feel more like a celebration than a school assignment.

• Bring icebreakers and sample answers to get the conversation flowing.
• Celebrate finishing a book—host a book-themed party, watch the movie adaptation, or plan an excursion related to the story.

9. Stay organised

Decide how your group will communicate: group chat, Facebook group, or email.
A shared calendar can help keep track of:

• meeting dates
• reading assignments
• book selection and change-over times

10. Enjoy the journey

At its heart, a homeschool book club is about connection – through stories, friendships, and shared ideas. Stay flexible, keep it fun, and watch your group grow together through the joy of reading.

✨ We’d love to hear about your book club! Share your journey in the Simply Homeschool Community group and inspire other families to start their own. Your story might be just the spark another family needs.